A fortnight into the new campaign and already the Premier League is facing the same old story with the Old Firm duo wreaking havoc on their domestic rivals.

Rangers' 4-0 demolition of Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday was delivered with the clinical efficiency expected of a side put together at a cost of £50 million while Celtic dispatched St Johnstone 3-0 before a Parkhead crowd of 60,253.

Two goals from Claudio Reyna, one from Michael Mols and a typical bullet strike from Jorg Albertz gave the Ibrox men the perfect boost ahead of their European rematch against Parma on Wednesday. Celtic's goals came from Johan Mjallby, Mark Viduka and Morten Wieghorst.

Celtic head coach John Barnes has admitted he owes a debt to Jozef Venglos - and is still seeking advice from his predecessor every day. The Slovakian remains with the club in a European scouting role.

The ease with which they were defeated must have pained Venglos who suffered three losses in four league meetings with St Johnstone last term.

However Barnes said: "Jozef is still at the club and I speak with him every day to be honest. Jozef did as well as he could done under the circumstances last year and from what people have told me he was very unfortunate with injuries."

One matter beyond dispute with Venglos is his shrewdness in introducing Lubomir Moravcik to Scottish football for a bargain £300,000 from Duisburg at the tender age of 33.

The veteran midfielder was at the centre of Celtic's best moves, comfortably outshining £5.7 million newcomer Eyal Berkovic who still looks short of his best form.

Barnes enthused: "I have been happy with Lubomir since I arrived here because I've seen the things he can do in training at first hand. He's a fantastic footballer, very talented."