Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has warned the club they have lost their fear factor and could be playing Conference League football next season.
Celtic have won 13 of the past 14 top-flight titles but are third in the league, three points behind leaders Hearts, with just five matches remaining.
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Just over a year ago Celtic threatened a Champions League upset against Bayern Munich but have since suffered issues on and off the park, with three managers taking charge of the side this season.
Having lost their past two finals to Aberdeen and St Mirren, McAvennie wouldn’t be surprised if Celtic are defeated by the Buddies again at Hampden in this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
McAvennie, who played for both clubs, said: “Nobody’s scared of Celtic any more, that’s the biggest problem.
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“Every team’s having a go at them. The last 13, 14 years, it’s been trophy after trophy after trophy. These young boys (among the support) have never seen Celtic where they are, and it’s hurting them.
“People say to me, ‘would you be surprised if St Mirren beat Celtic on Sunday?’ No, I don’t think anybody would. It wouldn’t be a surprise the way it would be a couple of years ago.
“I don’t get it, a year ago, we went and drew with Bayern Munich, great team – what’s happened? Very quickly it’s turned into the show it is at the moment, and it’s not the best show in town.”
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A finish inside the top two would guarantee Celtic a chance at Champions League qualification, while Scottish Cup success would secure a Europa League third qualifying round spot.
“They could finish third this year, and if they finish third and don’t win the cup, they’ll be in the Conference League,” McAvennie added.
“I don’t think even boys like Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney have been under pressure the way Celtic are at the moment.
“These boys know what it’s like to win games, and to win leagues, but not coming from behind when, by all accounts, they’re the third best team in Scotland at the moment.”