Kenny Dalglish has dismissed the notion that gruelling Europa League ties should make any difference to Celtic and Rangers' ability to compete for the title.
And the legendary striker reckons that Steven Gerrard and Neil Lennon will be drilling their players on what should be their number one focus - winning the Scottish Premiership.
Dalglish doesn't buy the idea that professional players might struggle to perform on the Sunday following a Thursday night game and has suggested there will be no hiding place for the players should they fail to take care of St Johnstone or Kilmarnock.
He told the Sunday Post : "Europe is brilliant for them in so many ways - from enhancing the market value of your players, to banking in the region of £10 million just for being in the competition.
"But the league is absolutely what it's all about.
"That's why both managers will hammer home the importance of there being no slip-ups today as Celtic take on Kilmarnock at home and Rangers travel to St Johnstone.
"Between now and Christmas, I will be interested to see how both teams cope with the Thursday-Sunday fixtures. It could throw up quite a few twists and turns.
"This is the first weekend they'll be playing off the back of the Europa League section, and it can sometimes be a strain, both mentally and physically.
"If a result doesn't go to plan in the domestic game immediately following the Thursday night European fixture, there seems to be an acceptance that it's difficult to play three days after a Europa League tie.
"Personally, I just don't get it. I think it's all psychological. They should all be ready to play on the Sunday, and there should be no excuses.
"You never hear of the same kind of stuff trotted out when they play on a Saturday, if they have been in a Wednesday night Champions League game."
