Chris Sutton: Celtic can become treble heroes and century Bhoys

The Hoops host Alloa in the Betfred Cup quarter-final as they aim to move closer to the first piece of silverware of the season.

Manager Brendan Rodgers issued a battle cry in May saying he wants the Ladbrokes Premiership champions continue their domination of Scottish football, and steering the club to a domestic hat-trick would certainly do that.

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Martin O’Neill was the last Celtic boss to do just that 15 years ago. Chris Sutton, who was part of that team, reckons the current group has a real chance of repeating the feat, and that’s why he’s backed them to go all out to sting the Wasps tonight.

“It’s the best opportunity every year to win the treble,” said the Englishman who bagged 14 goals in that maiden season at Parkhead.

“I believe there is a real possibility. That’s why this game is deadly serious, he can’t afford to rotate big style and give people a game.

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“I don’t think that’s his style and that’s a similarity with Martin O’Neill. There is a time to do that but surely not in your first season. He’ll go out trying to put this game to bed in the first 20 minutes then maybe relax.

“This competition is a serious competition. I like the format because it’s different, it had the group stages, now it’s getting to the nitty gritty. It’s the first trophy of the season and it’s absolutely crucial.”

There is also another piece of history that could be achieved if Celtic are the ones to hoist aloft the Betfred Cup this November.

Currently the Parkhead side has won 99 major honours in its long and trophy-laden history, including 47 league titles, 36 Scottish Cups, 15 League Cups and of course that famous European Cup win of 1967.

The significance of becoming century Bhoys is not lost on Sutton, and he is sure it won’t be on Rodgers or his players either.

“This is supposed to be Celtic’s 100th major trophy, it’s a big deal,” said the former striker, who was promoting BT Sport’s live coverage of the game.

“We all know the pressure Mark Warburton is under. If Brendan doesn’t win the first trophy, it builds.

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“I think Celtic are head and shoulders above in the league and over the course it will be comfortable.

“Historically it’s not an easy thing to win and he will go strong. It’s not a competition can afford to take lightly, especially this week more than any. I don’t think there will be many changes.

“Whatever you say about Alloa, they knocked out Inverness and won every game in the group stage. You don’t want to turn up and make life difficult for yourself.

“Of course there is the Champions League next week but Brendan has shown that he’ll deal with each game in isolation. I think that’s the right way to go about things.”