According to Pat Nevin, Celtic’s odds of winning the Scottish Premiership are just somewhat better than Rangers’; but, Philippe Clement has the ability to change the outcome if he makes a significant acquisition before the deadline.

After 23 games, the Hoops lead the Rangers by five points, but the Light Blues have a game left to close the gap on their hometown rivals to two points in what looks to be one of the most exciting title chases in memory.After Michael Beale’s awful start to the season, Brendan Rodgers’ team appeared to be winning hands-down. However, a string of mistakes over the Christmas break have thrust Clement back into the running, and with just over a third of the season remaining, we’re getting close to the business end of the campaign.

Rangers have already signed two players, and there could be two more coming in January with deals for Jefte and Oscar Cortes. Meanwhile, Celtic is dragging their heels, with no close arrivals and only Nicolas Kuhn entering Lennoxtown. Nevin has advised Clement on how to go win the league so that his name may live on in Ibrox legend, even if he thinks Celtic are now only marginally in the race.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Nevin said: “I’ll go 55-45 in Celtic’s favour in terms of percentage. But here’s the caveat – it depends what happens over the next four or five days in terms of forwards, and whether Rangers go and get another.

“A lot of people have mentioned Shankland. If you stuck him upfront for Rangers right now, that changes it. If you put Shankland upfront for Celtic, it would change it even more in their favour.

“What they do over the next few days in terms of a striker will make a huge difference.”