Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Neil Doncaster hails Celtic and Rangers Champions League joy as 'real benefit' of entry stated

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster says Celtic and Rangers competing in the Champions League group stages is massive for Scottish football.

The league CEO has spoken in the aftermath of Rangers' 1-0 play-off second leg win against PSV Eindhoven that seals a 3-2 aggregate victory and place in pot 4 alongside Celtic. There will be one more Premiership side in the European group stages this season, with Hearts facing FC Zurich in the Europa League play-offs on Thursday to see whether they compete in that phase or the Europa Conference League.

Doncaster says it's great for Scotland's standing on the world stage: “I would like to warmly congratulate everyone connected with Rangers on reaching the UEFA Champions League group stages. Rangers were worthy winners over the two matches against PSV Eindhoven. The players and coaching team deserve enormous praise for how well they have performed in European competitions in recent times.

READ MORE: Rangers transfer update as Giovanni van Bronckhorst prepared for 'crazy things' ahead of deadline

Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox

“It is great to have two Scottish clubs back in the Champions League group stages in Rangers and Celtic for the first time since 2007/8.

"It will be a real benefit to the country’s UEFA coefficient. I would also like to wish the very best of luck to Heart of Midlothian ahead of the club’s UEFA Europa League play-off second leg against FC Zurich tomorrow.”

This is the first time Rangers have been in this stage in 12 years while the Hoops were last at this stage in the 2017/18 term.

READ NEXT:

- James Tavernier in 'angry' Rangers assessment as he points finger at teammate for role in Hibs draw

- Rangers player rating v Hibs as Morelos endures horror cameo but attacking teammate impresses

- Three things we learned as Rangers endure red card nightmare at Hibs and drop points in Leith

- Rangers transfer update as Ibrox interest in Brazilian addressed with 'needs that step' declaration

- Celtic v Rangers ticket allocation revealed as clubs reach agreement after Hoops suggestion

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.