Kris Boyd believes Rangers have given themselves a genuine opportunity to challenge Celtic for the Premiership title after finding consistency - while warning that the Hoops are making life unnecessarily difficult for themselves.

The reigning champions remain four points clear at the top of the table over the international break, although Derek McInnes’ side have a game in hand still to play and have put together an impressive 12-game unbeaten domestic run after struggling for consistency earlier in the campaign.

The contrasting fortunes of the Old Firm rivals have added an intriguing dimension to the title race this season, with former Ibrox hitman Boyd suggesting Celtic are not looking as convincing as they have in previous years.

Despite their current position at the summit and traditionally being capable of overwhelming opponents on the domestic front, Boyd reckons there is a sense of vulnerability surrounding Martin O’Neill’s men, with recent results doing little to silence the growing criticism.

“Celtic have been a team where you’ve felt a crisis is always around the corner,” Boyd said. “You can’t knock the fact they are four points clear, though, yes, Rangers have a game in hand. It was like the crisis button was pressed after Falkirk. But they found a way to win against Besiktas and again at the weekend.

“I don’t think it was a great performance but it was three points and that’s all that mattered for Celtic right now. Martin will be delighted to get that one over the line and keep the wolves away from the door for now. Every fixture is difficult but Celtic are making harder work of the games than they should be.”

Why Celtic are making hard work of title defence

In contrast, Rangers have gradually turned their fortunes around under McInnes after a difficult opening to the campaign, with their unbeaten sequence providing renewed belief that they can make a serious challenge for silverware.

Boyd admits the contrasting situations at the two clubs could become increasingly important as the season progresses.

He added: “Rangers are the team who struggled at the start but are now on an unbeaten run. Celtic usually blow teams away at home but that’s not really been the case this season. Martin is probably where Derek was at the start of the season, trying to find a team he feels is capable of winning games comfortably.

“Derek was chopping and changing, Martin is doing that now. Martin has a striker who is under-performing and the wide players are not up to a level we’re used to seeing at Celtic in recent years. Martin is searching for a balance and he’s dealing with European football.”

The former Gers favourite also thinks the timing of the break could prove particularly important for Celtic, allowing O’Neill some time to work on finding the right formula before a challenging run of fixtures heading into the festive period.

However, Boyd was quick to point out that the league leaders have already negotiated some tough games despite dropping points along the way.

“He’ll be delighted with this break,” Boyd said of O’Neill. “It gives them a chance to reset before a difficult run. In saying that, everyone thought they were facing a difficult run a few weeks ago, with trips to Fir Park and Easter Road. They had the slip-up at Falkirk and against Dundee United, but they have come through it okay.”