Barry Ferguson admits he was taken aback to hear Celtic boss Neil Lennon admit the league may be gone for his side.

Lennon’s men slipped 21 points behind rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership after two draws in succession against Livingston and Hibs respectively.

The results, earned by a Covid-ravaged Hoops outfit, did little to lift the mood at Parkhead nor the spirit - or belief that they can claw things back with three games in hand and two Old Firm derbies yet to play.

But Gers icon Ferguson was still surprised to hear during Lennon’s furious presser yesterday that the manager, while still ready to fight, believes Celts may already have done too much damage to their own push.

“I'm surprised, 'maybe beyond them',” Ferguson told Go Radio. “I wouldn't expect that.

“Maybe 'we'll keep fighting but it will be tough'. It's a strange comment from the manager."

Lennon’s comments came amid a furious conference where he hit back at Dubai critics as well as the Scots government and pundit Andy Walker.