Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson believes the Scottish Premiership title race is entering a decisive phase, with January recruitment set to determine whether Celtic can recover ground - and whether emerging challengers Hibernian and Motherwell can sustain their push alongside Rangers and Hearts.
Speaking on The Breakdown podcast alongside ex-Hibs teammate and Celtic captain Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew, Thomson made it clear that Celtic’s next moves carry enormous pressure following a turbulent period on and off the pitch.
“January’s going to be key for everybody really,” Thomson said.
“But especially Celtic. Whoever they bring in now, whoever they recruit, it has to work.”
Thomson suggested that Celtic’s transfer business - particularly in attacking areas - will come with an unavoidable expectation attached.
“If Celtic go and spend big money on a number nine,” he said, “he has to win them the league.”
For Rangers supporters, that framing will sound familiar.
Thomson contrasted Celtic’s current uncertainty with the growing sense of structure at Ibrox, pointing out that the margins at the top are tightening rapidly.
“It’s January,” he added.
“You’re 20 games in now. This isn’t early season anymore. You’re going to find out a lot about every team.”
Crucially, Thomson expanded the conversation beyond the traditional Old Firm axis, arguing that the title race can no longer be viewed as a two-horse contest - or even a three-horse one.
“You throw Motherwell and Hibs into that mix as well,” he said.
“Hibs are coming with a wee wet sail, Motherwell have been absolutely terrific.”
That assessment reflects a season where consistency has been elusive among the traditional heavyweights, opening the door for clubs operating with far smaller budgets but clearer identities.
“Who’s going to recruit the best?” Thomson asked.
“Who’s going to make the right decisions now? Because the margins are tiny.”
From a Rangers perspective, Thomson highlighted how defensive solidity and adaptability have become decisive traits in the current campaign - qualities that have allowed Rangers to stay firmly in the hunt.
“Rangers are keeping a lot of clean sheets and not conceding a lot of goals,” he said.
“That’s how they’re doing it.”
While acknowledging Rangers have ridden their luck at times, Thomson, a two-time league winner with the club himself, stressed that finding ways to win, rather than chasing perfection, is what defines champions.
“How they’re doing it, I don’t know sometimes,” he admitted.
“Because they’re conceding chances but the goalkeeper’s making saves, and they’re finding a way.”
That pragmatic edge, Thomson believes, contrasts sharply with teams that try to impose a style without adapting to circumstances - a subtle dig at Celtic’s recent struggles.
Turning back to the wider race, Thomson underlined why clubs like Hibs and Motherwell cannot be dismissed.
“Motherwell have been unbelievable,” he said.
“And Hibs - nine points in a week - that doesn’t happen by accident.”
The former Scotland international also warned that pressure now sits squarely on the shoulders of Rangers and Celtic, not the chasing pack.
“All the pressure will mount on Rangers and Celtic,” Thomson explained.
“Those other teams are free-hitting a wee bit. They’re enjoying it.”
As the January window opens and the league table tightens, Thomson’s message is simple: this season will be decided not by reputation, but by decision-making.
“It’s not about what you say anymore,” he said.
“It’s about what you do - and who gets January right.”
For Rangers fans watching momentum build under Danny Röhl, that reality only sharpens the sense that this title race is wide open.