Old Firm intrigue but Scottish football has a problem 40 years in the making

Outsiders with broader experience or ambition rarely take long to grow bored of Scotland’s formulaic chase for the title

PROBLEMS: Joao Pedro Neves Filipe of Celtic celebrates a goal against Kilmarnock. But for how long can the big two take joy in battering the rest? Pic: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Excitement around today's visit of Rangers to Celtic Park is appropriate. The extent to which Ange Postecoglou can further elevate Celtic after the success of last season remains unknown. So, too, whether Giovanni van Bronckhorst can prove himself capable of re-establishing Rangers as the finest team in the country. It is early enough in the campaign for levels of intrigue to be legitimately high.

That a nine-man Rangers slipped to a draw at Hibernian means Celtic could be five points clear of their oldest foes before the 3pm kick‑offs get under way. This would represent an ominous scenario for those in blue even on September’s first weekend. It is the broader picture that is so troublesome for anyone with an interest in competitive balance. Scottish football has a growing problem, one close to 40 years in the making but which on all available evidence will not be resolved, barring a revolution, in four centuries.