The Bhoys only need a point against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday to wrap up the championship for the first time in four years.

Celtic were 15 points behind Rangers in November, albeit with two games in hand, but had leapfrogged their Old Firm rivals by the time the Ibrox club were deducted 10 points in February for entering administration.

The punishment effectively ended Rangers' title challenge and subsequently, in some quarters, doubt has been cast on the validity of the Parkhead club's almost inevitable championship win.

Massive credit

However, former Hoops midfielder Thompson will hear no talk of a tainted title this season.

"It is difficult to compare the playing side to now but this would, I think, be sweeter than anything I achieved.

"All this talk of tainted titles from pundits writing this and writing that, is an absolute nonsense.

"To turn it around 15 points - regardless of the 10 points deduction Rangers have had - means absolute massive credit has to go to our players for what they have done."