Scott McDonald claims it would be 'fantastic' if Celtic were to join the English Football League ranks, but admits such a move remains a long way off.
Boro striker wonders whether former employers could join English ranks
Scott McDonald claims it would be 'fantastic' if Celtic were to join the English Football League ranks, but admits such a move remains a long way off.
In the wake of Rangers' administration troubles, the debate regarding an Old Firm move away from the Scottish Premier League has been reopened.
It has been suggested that newly-crowned champions Celtic could be dropped into the Championship, giving them the chance to earn a place in the Premier League.
Former Hoops striker McDonald, who now plies his trade with Middlesbrough, says he would welcome Neil Lennon's men with open arms, but understands that pushing through a divisional switch would be difficult.
"There's no question it would be fantastic for the division but it's a difficult trick for them to pull off. English football is big on its heritage and history," he told the
Daily Record.
"Would a Scottish club be accepted and who would move out of the way to accommodate Celtic?
History
"But if nobody felt threatened or hampered then it would be great for my old club. My gut instinct is that the move to English football's as far away as it's always been.
"Becoming part of a newly formed European set-up might be a more likely prospect for Celtic.
"Some Celtic supporters might see any move down south as a betrayal of the club's illustrious history in Scotland in any case.
"I know that's the way the Rangers fans feel about the prospect of their club going into liquidation. They don't want to see 140 years of history erased.
Stabilise
"But if they could get into League Two in England and start again that could stabilise Rangers and let them begin the slow process of getting back to full strength.
"But if Celtic and Rangers stay in Scotland as part of the SPL then it won't be the case that Lenny's team will win five or six-nothing every week.
"You don't just turn up and win football matches, no matter how many class players you might have in your squad.
"There's an unsettled back four that will need to be sorted out first of all and then it'll need to be established over the summer how badly Celtic want to hold on to players.
"But the team I watched beating Rangers on Sunday was outstanding and they still have to get the likes of (Beram) Kayal and James Forrest back from injury.
"Now is a great time for the Celtic supporters."
