Rangers have beaten Celtic twice, but the champions are back on top and chasing a sixth consecutive title.

Two wins over Celtic in the space of a week, and another former Rangers figure is talking up the title charge.

Terry Butcher has made his wish plain: he hopes Martin O’Neill finishes second to Rangers. He also wants another “Helicopter Sunday”. That is his choice. But Celtic supporters should not confuse his hopes with the facts.

Celtic are still the champions. We have won five league titles in a row and 14 of the last 15. This season, we are going for six straight. And after the 2–0 win over Motherwell, Celtic are back at the top of the table.

Two victories do not erase five titles

Rangers deserve credit for beating Celtic twice in a week. Those results hurt, and Celtic have to show they have learned from them. But two derby wins do not wipe out five consecutive league titles. They do not erase 14 titles in 15 seasons. They do not make Rangers champions before the campaign is over.

Butcher praised O’Neill as a “lovely man”, then said he was “unfortunately at the wrong club”. He spoke warmly about Derek McInnes and backed Rangers to build on their recent momentum.

There is no mystery in that. Butcher is a former Rangers captain, and he wants his old club to win. What sticks out is how quickly a couple of results have encouraged the Rangers title talk. Celtic have already answered one part of it on the pitch: O’Neill’s side went to Motherwell, took all three points and moved back above their rivals.

Celtic’s record still sets the standard

The title race is open. Rangers have put themselves in it, and Celtic must prove they can handle the pressure after a difficult run. Nobody should pretend the recent defeats did not matter.

But Celtic’s record matters too. We are the reigning champions, we have won five league titles in succession, and we are still top. That is the position Butcher’s comments have to be measured against.

He wants O’Neill to finish second. Celtic’s job is to keep winning, defend the title and make that prediction look foolish. The season will not be settled by a former Rangers player’s hopes or a burst of confidence after two derby victories.

Celtic have the chance to make it six in a row. That is the challenge—and the response Butcher should be watching.