IF you know the history, then you'll be aware Celtic have had so many last-gasp wins through the years and I reckon they are due another one after the disappointments of 2003 and 2005.
There was Love Street in 1986 when a 5-0 win secured the championship, 10 men winning the league against Rangers at Parkhead in 1979 and, in between, countless last-minute winners in league and cup games.
I reckon Tannadice might just be about to set the scene for another historic triumph. I said that if Celtic won their two home Old Firm games they would win the league, and I am not budging from my prediction.
Skippy's goals will mean zilch if SPL crown is lost
SCOTT McDONALD scored his 31st goal of the season on Sunday afternoon and, whichever way you look at it, that is a fabulous return.
I don't think anyone expected him to be quite so prolific, and he has really adapted to his role at the club.
However, it will mean nothing to him on a personal level if Celtic do not go on and win the title. The big prize for any player is winning medals and titles, and personal success always comes secondary to that.
Meanwhile, Barry Robson is another one who has exceeded all expectations. He has taken the time to work out what is required at Celtic and has gone for it 100% since getting his chance.
He has been outstanding in the middle of the park for the Hoops and has impressed so much that I fancy he has earmarked his place in the midfield for next season.
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Just where Rangers will slip up I'm not quite sure, but the pressure is
definitely on the Ibrox side.
Their games against Motherwell, St Mirren and Aberdeen are tough, and they know they can't drop anything.
Ironically, it's the game at Love Street that just might be the one where points slip, because everyone will expect Rangers simply to turn up and steamroller them, and that can sometimes be a banana skin.
Certainly, it is fraught at the minute and Celtic, over the last six weeks, have done everything possible to make sure the Ibrox side feel the heat.
The pressure was on the Hoops against Hibs on Sunday, because nothing but a win was good enough, and it says a lot about this current team that they have refused to buckle long after they were written off in the race.
They have kept it going until the last kick and they deserve credit for that because it would have been all too easy for the heads to go down after a dodgy spell.
Gordon Strachan and his backroom team have obviously got the message through that nothing has been won or lost - and that has been vital.
Celtic are now in the odd position that they simply have to watch and wait. That in itself is something they would rather have done without, but they just have to take a bit of a breather and prepare for one last hurdle.
Rangers are the opposite, in that they have so many important games to cram in, but I don't think the outcome of tomorrow night's Uefa Cup Final will have any bearing on how the title is decided.
If they win, it maintains their momentum, and no-one complains about being tired after winning a European trophy. If they don't win, then I think they will be absolutely determined to claim the championship.
However, there have been signs recently that they are feeling the
pressure and Celtic have done all they can since losing at Ibrox and then dropping more points the following weekend against Motherwell.
The fact is, both sides have
actually been remarkably consistent, but I still fancy there is a sting in the tail for Gers.
I said last season that the arrival of Walter Smith and Ally McCoist would ensure a far closer fight and that has been the case, but Celtic are due a big finale after being robbed in recent campaigns.
Next Thursday night will be packed with tension, a night of nerves and drama and games to watch through cracks in your fingers.
But I still fancy
Rangers might crack.
And it's all Celtic can hope for now.
Rangers' name is on Uefa Cup
I FANCY that having got this far, Rangers are just about to lift the Uefa Cup. As a Celtic fan, I always believe it's what your own club does that should interest you and nothing else, but I do think Rangers' name is on the trophy.
They have performed well away from home and, with the game being played at Manchester, the final will feel like a home match.
I was in Seville with
thousands of other Celtic fans in 2003 and it was a fabulous occasion. There was so much pride at how far the club had come, and now it's Rangers' turn for their day in the sun.
Their fans will celebrate it whatever the result, and rightly so, because it is an achievement that might not be repeated for some time.
It is good for Scottish football that there have been two SPL teams contesting European finals in the last five years.
Rangers fans will have the bragging rights if they win the Uefa Cup, but I still think Celtic are preparing themselves for the last laugh in the league.
