Alan Hutton has acknowledged that there’s no getting away from the substantial ‘gulf’ between Celtic and Rangers. 

The former Rangers defender has watched his old club trail their city rivals by five points in the Scottish Premiership title race. A deficit that could be significant even at this early stage of the campaign. 

“There is a gulf,” stated Hutton. “There is a gulf. There is no getting away from that. I think Celtic are miles in front, at this moment in time. 

“I could quite easily say that, if I am honest. In terms of gulfs, we know it’s there. That’s where the pressure falls on Rangers because they are maybe one defeat away from all the headlines, because the gulf is so big.”

Read more: 

Nicolas Kuhn is just one of the many Celtic players who has started the new season in impressive form. 

Signed from Rapid Vienna in January on a bumper five-and-a-half-year contract, many expected big things from the winger. 

But he struggled to make a consistent impact during the end of last season. 

However, since the return for pre-season, Kuhn has began to display why Celtic were eager to bring him to Glasgow.

The former German youth international has scored five times from his eight appearances so far - including most recently a game changing contribution against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup to book Celtic’s place in the semi-finals.

The 24-year-old also netted twice and provided an assist during an eye-catching cameo in a friendly match versus Manchester City over in the United States too, showcasing his ability to perform even against the world’s best teams.  

"He questioned it," Hutton laughed on the Scottish Football Social Club as the panel discussed the Celtic stars recent contributions.

"You know what, I thought even when we were speaking about it. I know Michael maybe had some question marks over him.”

“Would he get in the Rangers side, Hutts?,” Stewart chimed in. 

“Why are you asking me that question?, replied Hutton with a smile. “I’m not going to answer that. 

(Image: SNS Group)

Read more: 

“See when he came on (vs Falkirk), he was like a breath of fresh air. He wants to go forward, he wants to get involved, he’s setting up goals, he’s scoring goals. I thought he looked a real, real threat. 

“Falkirk done ever so well but they were tiring towards the end. It’s a big pitch, they through everything at it, so you knew they were going to tire.

“I always had a feeling that Celtic would come back and win, and he was a huge part of that.”

Hutton then put the question of would Kuhn walk into the Rangers starting XI back on to Stewart, who admitted: “Yes I think he would get into the Rangers side. 

“I think he’s definitely improved, there’s no doubt. But the one thing I just want to see more from him is what he did against Slovan Bratislava for Kyogo’s goal. 

“As a wide man, hit the byline more often. He’s playing on the opposite side so he’s going to cut in a lot. But he has to mix it up a bit more.”