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Having been beaten 1-0 and produced a disappointing display in the previous Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox in December, Celtic captain Scott Brown and his team would have been determined to put things right at the same venue on Sunday.

With the Scottish Premiership title already wrapped up, it was the perfect opportunity for the visitors to show their superiority over their arch-rivals, and send out a strong message ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

They did send out that message, but it was one that Steven Gerrard's men have a real chance of leapfrogging their local neighbours and stopping them winning nine in a row next term as things stand.

The Bhoys were poor throughout proceedings and were lucky not to lose by more than two goals on the day, and it appears clear that major decisions needs to be made this summer when it comes to appointing a permanent manager and player recruitment.

Brown should be leading the team out again next term having signed a new two-year contract earlier in 2019, but the post-match image of him giving the away support a thumbs-up after the match painted a thousand words.

There is a real look of concern and contemplation on his face, which isn't too surprising given he and his teammates ultimately failed to turn up on the day.

As well as that defeat though, that worry could be about next season as well, with Rangers proving on Sunday that they have the quality to be serious title challengers with a little more consistency.

Maybe Brown is starting to realise they are to be feared and what a difficult campaign it could be for Celtic next time out, and how they can't afford to slip up too often if they want yet another league trophy.