FORMER Celtic captain Tom Boyd has insisted it will take several years before Rangers can again challenge for the title even if they win promotion this season.

The Parkhead legend has been a keen observer of the many twists and turns which have taken place across Glasgow and does not believe his old rivals are close to being where they want or claim to be.

The one-time Treble winner, who played over 400 games for Celtic, did acknowledge that his club, who he has kept closes ties with, does need a challenge domestically because a lack of one has had a detrimental effect on their European hopes in recent seasons.

But he doesn't buy into the theory that it will be just like old times once Rangers do haul themselves back to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Asked about a possible challenge to Celtic by their city rivals, Boyd said: "For me that’s a hypothetical. In terms of the situation we’re in, I can’t see that happening in terms of the players they’ve got.

"They’ve got five loan players just now. They’ll need to change that for next season. So it’ll be two or three years for them to get up and running to compete at the level Celtic are at this moment in time.

"Yes, Rangers are a better team than last season, but look where Hearts are at this moment in time. They’re sitting eight points behind Celtic and are still a better team than them (Rangers).

"Rangers will still come up, I’d think. They’ve got a challenge from Hibs so we’ll see how that develops."

Boyd could not put an exact figure on when there would be a challenge from across Glasgow but it's fair to assume he does not believe it will be imminent.

He said: "I don’t know. It’s a difficult one, isn’t it? It all depends on the circumstances.

"If they can get their house in order financially, which is not there right now going by the last accounts, the last figure was £7million (which is what Rangers lost).

"I know that might change if they do come up in terms of what they can charge for season tickets and the extra money that comes with being in the top division, but then they have to pay more – you don’t know. Only time will tell."

Boyd was honest enough to admit that while Celtic fans will celebrate every time their team win a trophy during this era, if the club are to do anything in Europe they need to be tested more at home.

He said: "The lack of a challenge is a problem because we do need and want to get a competition going. Celtic are far too strong for the league.

"That was been proven last year when Aberdeen ran us close for a wee bit and then faltered towards the end. They had a go this season and have faltered once again.

“That will be the case next season if Rangers come up. They will be in the same position. I don’t think they will be able to compete.

"It might happen if they manage to find some decent players and I know Mark Warburton has started things in the background in terms of the scouting.

“A process has begun, but I think it will take a couple of years at least for Rangers to put in a serious challenge.”

Boyd's main point is that if Celtic cannot afford the players they want, then what chance for Rangers when they are so far behind in terms of finance.

Boyd said: "You look at the position we’re in when it comes to buying players and we’ve got the best finances within Scotland.

"It’s about finding bargains, which we’ve done on a couple of occasions, but it’s far more difficult to find these guys because everyone wants them now.

"Attracting players to Scotland is difficult but so is paying them in terms of wages."

Boyd has in the past been vocal of Rangers have titles and cups stripped.

Asked against about EBTs, he said: "My position has not changed but I will give my full statement when the final appeal is over.

“I have said my case and I have not changed my view on it but we still have to wait for the final outcome."