Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has begun his second season covering Scottish football for Sky Sports this month.
Formerly of BT Sports, Sutton took on the new role at the broadcasting giant and it put him immediately up against former Rangers striker, Kris Boyd.
The Celtic fans have witnessed numerous sparring duels between the punditry pair and whilst much of it is in good humour, the debates, especially on Glasgow Derby days, can get heated.
And whilst the opinions of Boyd do sometimes irk the Celtic fans, Sutton has shared what it’s really like to be working with the outspoken pundit.
Sutton speaks of ‘mutual respect’ with Boyd
The former Celtic star occasionally seems exasperated by some of Boyd’s opinions on football, but he highlights the healthy working relationship they share during their Sky Sports broadcasts.
Sutton shared with [World Football Index], “I really enjoy it. As far as I know—though Kris might have a different take—there is mutual respect between us. Kris was an exceptional goal scorer and a great player, as was James. I enjoy their company, and a lot of what we discuss comes from our shared passion for football.
“Kris was the Rangers guy, and I was the Celtic guy, but I do admire him. He speaks his mind and stands by his opinions.
“He does provoke people and can even annoy me at times, but I think he’s an excellent pundit. I enjoy working with him and James, who often finds himself in the middle, rolling his eyes at us.”
“Football is about opinions, and I love coming up north of the border to commentate on games and be a pundit. I have thoroughly enjoyed sparring with Kris and James.
“I love the Scottish game and have thoroughly enjoyed the start of the season. There are some good stories materialising.”
The verbal duels the pair of them have do make for some entertaining television as they try and deliver their differing views on the game.