Heart of Midlothian manager John McGlynn believes a Scottish Premier League devoid of Celtic would open up the title race to everyone else.
With Rangers already out of the top flight, McGlynn has hinted that the Bhoys are favourites to defend their SPL title whilst suggesting that all other teams in the competition would be able to battle it out for glory if both the Old Firm were not present.
"It's been an exciting season even if most people expect Celtic to win the league. It's a case of when rather than if. But it is tight and it's up to the rest of us to continue to make it tight," he said.
"If you look at the table, there are only six points between second top and second bottom.
"Nobody has shown any consistency, with so few points between so many teams.
"Celtic have been the most consistent, leading by two points with a game in hand.
"But, even looking at that, who would have thought that Celtic would only be two points clear by November?
"That in itself is another statement as to how tight it is.
"So take Celtic out of the league and what have you got?
"You'd have a league where nobody could predict anything because it's so evenly balanced."
