Eddie Howe will have a tough task on his hands trying to regain the Scottish Premiership title from Rangers next season, according to Ibrox legend Brian Laudrup.

The former Bournemouth and Burnley manager looks set to take the reins at Parkhead this summer after having held discussions with the Celtic hierarchy over the past few weeks.

Howe's arrival would be a statement of intent, says the Danish ace, but rampant Gers have been outstanding domestically this season - winning the league at a canter - and Laudrup believes they will only continue to improve next season. The former Light Blues midfielder credits boss Steven Gerrard for that mindset and reckons the Liverpool icon will want to win more next term.

That's why he's excited to see Howe linked with the Hoops job and looks forward to see Howe and Gerrard pit their wits against each other from the dugout, should it be completed.

“In my eyes, it would be fantastic to have both Eddie Howe and Steven Gerrard in the Old Firm environment," Laudrup wrote in his Daily Mail column. “These guys bring profile and elite knowledge. And the head-to-head contest between them promises to be absolutely fascinating. Howe would be a statement addition at Parkhead.

“His obvious task is to drastically improve Celtic's performances and catch Rangers next season. The problem, however, is that he will be trying to grasp a moving target. Gerrard won't stand still. It's simply not in his personality.

“He has raised the bar in the Scottish Premiership this season and will continue to try and do so. This year's title is just the start of his ambitions at Rangers. He's clear about that. Celtic are facing a huge turnover this summer but their rivals are able to build from a position of strength."

Comparing the two side's Laudrup lauded Rangers' squad while warning Howe that he will be in for a summer overhaul, with a number of Celtic's top stars expected to leave the club this summer.

“Gerrard will want more quality to help - no doubt about that - but the basis is there," he added. "He knows the backbone of his team. In contrast, Howe would be coming in to almost a blank canvas.

“He will be doing an incredible amount of homework. Trying to hit the ground running and implement his ideas will not be easy, even after a pre-season. We know Celtic fans around the world are looking for a response to this season as quickly as possible. That's perfectly understandable.

“But are they, and Celtic as a club, prepared to offer Howe time? It's a quantity that's always in short supply in Glasgow. But I think he will need it once the deal is finalised.”