Scott McDonald believes that his former club Celtic put themselves in a great position to win this season's title long before Old Firm rivals Rangers started experiencing off-field problems.

The Ibrox club were docked 10 points after falling into administration in February sparking some calls that Celtic's title win would be tainted.

But Middlesbrough's McDonald, who was a prolific scorer for the Hoops before moving to Boro in 2010, suggests that Neil Lennon and his men have done more than enough to be 21 points clear with the silverware safely in the Parkhead trophy cabinet.

"The title was fully deserved for Neil Lennon because he steadied a ship that was rocking last October and made Celtic the best team by far in the SPL," the Australian striker told Record Sport.

"He hit the front with Celtic after beating Rangers in December, long before Rangers went into administration."

He added: "Lenny's passed a huge test of character this season by giving Rangers such a big start and overtaking them.

"The problem he could have now is if other clubs have a nibble at some of his top players.

"That would be when we'd find out what Celtic wanted to do where annual budgets were concerned. They might want to get their wage bill lowered."

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