Nygren in pledge to widen gap

BENJAMIN NYGREN insists Celtic are ignoring the early lead they've opened up over Rangers as he warned they are only going to get stronger.

- By Michael Gannon

Brendan Rodgers’ defending champions made it two wins from two in the Premiership after Sunday's 2-0 victory against Aberdeen.

The Parkhead side are tied at the top with Hearts and have already opened up a four-point advantage over Russell Martin's Light Blues.

And Celtic could have the chance to stretch the gap to seven points ahead of the first Old Firm showdown of the season on August 31, with Rangers having the option to postpone their match with St Mirren the week before the derby if they progress to the Champions League playoffs.

Celts have opted to play their clash with Livingston on August 23 before the second leg of their playoff tie with Slovan Bratislava or Kairat.