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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Steven Mair

Mark Warburton delivers Rangers and Celtic in Premier League verdict as former Ibrox boss predicts clubs' fortunes

Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton would love to see his former club take on England's biggest names along with Celtic.

But he believes news of a plan for a potential 'British Super League' raises more questions than answers.

It's claimed plans are being drawn up by the Premier League down south to incorporate the Glasgow giants into a new 18-team setup.

But in the wake of the European Super League fiasco, in which 12 of the world's biggest clubs were forced into an embarrassing climbdown on their planned breakaway competition, the current QPR manager insists it has to be done for the right reasons with a focus on making sure the rest of Scottish football is looked after.

Warburton told Talksport 2: "This has been mooted for so many seasons about the big two coming south.

"It brings up so many problematic areas – why are we changing and what are we looking to achieve, is it money driven?

"All of these various questions will undoubtedly arise. For me I’d love to see it at some time.

"I’d love to see it – but it would have to be an outcome that suits and compliments everyone for sure. That’s just my personal opinion.

"Will it happen? I don’t think so. Not yet. But it’s certainly one going forward, if we see major changes to the European leagues, it is one that would undoubtedly attract much interest.

"What are we trying to change here? What is the thought process behind it?

Rangers and Celtic are rumoured to be among plans for a Premier League revamp (SNS Group)

"I think it would give a more level playing field to the remaining clubs, but on the other hand you have the other two’s big finances out of the Scottish game - how would they be compensated?"

Warburton was then quizzed on whether either side would compete in the Premier League and his reply highlighted the reversal in fortunes of both clubs.

He said: "If you’d asked me this five years ago, I’d have said yes to Celtic and no to Rangers.

"Celtic were playing in the Champions League then and had a squad packed full of internationals, but you have to look at the progress Rangers have made now.

"They’ve won the title, budgets have obviously increased, look at the squad Steven (Gerrard) and his team have assembled.

"They’ve got into Europe in the last three seasons, so there’s no doubt they’ve got a quality squad now.

"They would be up against it, it would be disrespectful to say otherwise. They’d find it tough because of the consistency of the challenges week in week out.

"But there’s no doubt they could (both) compete at the highest level."

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