Sutton delivers blunt assessment of Celtic under Rodgers

The former Celtic striker reckons wins have " papered over the cracks" so far with the "fear factor" evaporating at the club this term.

And Sutton also suggested of Rodgers that he "can’t think of one player this season at Celtic who he has improved".

Celtic dropped points at home on Saturday as Kilmarnock scored late to claim a point at Parkhead.

For Sutton, the result was no real surprise - but hands Rangers the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals on Sunday.

And the pundit reckons at the heart of the matter, the responsibility lies with manager Rodgers.

READ MORE: Rodgers in 'not a one-off' Celtic disappointment verdict

Discussing Celtic on Sky Sports, Sutton said: “Let’s get it right - the result didn’t come as a great shock. Celtic have been bang average all season. I know Brendan was talking about the recent form and winning eight of the last nine.

"The wins have papered over the cracks really. Performances haven’t been there. Celtic aren’t kidding anyone - they aren’t a good team this season. Everyone talks about stuff about the board and signings and this moment being a long time in the making. But Brendan Rodgers has to take responsibility. I can’t think of one player this season at Celtic who he has improved and that’s on the manager.

“You look at the points Celtic have dropped domestically. Forget about the Champions League campaign which was a disaster. If you just look at Celtic domestically in isolation, they have been poor. I can’t remember the last time a Celtic team were outplayed in halves of football by so many teams as they have been this season. And that’s on Brendan.

“Why is that? We’ve touched on the wide players. It was fast and furious under Ange Postecolgou. The brand of football they are playing is slow and predictable. There isn't a fear factor at this moment in time. Teams fancy getting a result against them so the Kilmarnock result wasn’t a great surprise to anyone and that’s it."