Charlie Mulgrew believes Celtic’s ability to find a way to win gives them an edge over Rangers in the Premiership title race.

The Hoops have responded to their difficult spell before the international break with successive league victories, beating Motherwell 2-0 before putting seven past Hearts.

Despite the poor run, only three points were dropped in the league, which is far from disastrous at this time in the season.

See the full Celtic v Rangers head-to-head record on our derby page.

That emphatic performance against last season’s runners-up offered particular encouragement, with Celtic looking assured and ruthless in front of goal.

For Mulgrew, though, the champions’ ability to deliver when a match is hanging in the balance could prove just as important.

The former Celtic defender said on Go Radio:

“They’ve done it that many times last year under Martin O’Neill.

“I just feel that they’ve got that mentality to score at the last minute, and I’m still questioning Rangers, whether they do.”

Celtic’s recent derby defeats understandably raised questions about their direction.

The first came at Ibrox in the League Cup, before Rangers won at Parkhead to inflict Celtic’s first dropped points of the Premiership campaign.

The response since has been encouraging.

Winning at Motherwell provided a platform, while Sunday’s demolition of Hearts showed how dangerous Celtic can be when their attacking play comes together.

Rangers dropping points at Dundee also gave the Hoops some breathing room at the top.

But that advantage needs to be protected. Mulgrew’s assessment of Celtic’s mentality will be tested on afternoons when the chances do not flow as freely as they did against Hearts.

Their next league assignment is a trip to Easter Road to face a struggling Hibs side.

Those difficulties should not encourage complacency. It is a demanding away fixture, and Celtic need to approach it with the same purpose they showed on Sunday.

The champions have put themselves back in a stronger position. Keeping that momentum going is the next task.