Celtic 'balloon burst' and 'miles off it' before next derby

Celtic are "miles off where they would expect to be", according to former Parkhead midfielder Scott Allan, who reckons the opening goal will be more vital than ever for their fragile confidence in Sunday's Old Firm derby. Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he was surprised at the lack of response from Martin O'Neill's side after the weekend's 3-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat by Rangers at Ibrox as they lost 3-1 in their Europa League opener at home to Ferencvaros. "The season started off quite promisingly for Celtic, Europe aside, and then, after that kind of early promise, the balloon looks as though it's burst," Allan said. He thought Celtic have a squad capable of beating Ferencvaros at home. "If you're looking at the last two performances together, it's really poor showing for Celtic at a moment in time when the games don't get easier," Allan suggested. "A lot of people go on about tactics and systems, but I'm just looking at body language and enthusiasm and appetite for the game. "Defensively, really vulnerable. All at sea at times, it looks so easy to play against. Celtic are going to lose their duels, they're going to lose their second balls." Allan is not convinced a change of system is the answer given the players were recruited to suit 4-3-3 and it is "up to the coaching staff to make it work". Yet Celtic would build a commanding eight-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership in the final game before the international break should they win on Sunday. "I've never felt the first goal is going to be as important as it is this Sunday," Allan said. "Rangers will have no support in there, so if Rangers go a goal up, that backing can quite quickly turn to anxiety." Allan thinks Celtic have "got to be better than they were last Sunday" but is predicting a narrow Rangers win.