ADVOCAAT REJECTS WAGE CAP PROPOSAL

RANGERS boss Dick Advocaat has slammed plans for the Scottish FA to impose a salary cap on SPL clubs, saying that any such move would be detrimental to those teams' hopes of performing on the European stage.

Neither Old Firm side has been able to reproduce their form in the Scottish League when they play in top flight European games, and Advocaat insists that a wage cap would only hamper their efforts further.

"What is good about that for Rangers and Celtic when it comes to European Football?" asked Advocaat. "The only way to get top players is to pay them well."

With both Celtic and Rangers having splashed out to bring a top striker north of the border from England this season, in Chris Sutton and Tore Andre Flo respectively, Advocaat knows what it takes to bring in the very best players.

"Flo is a good example," said the former Dutch national team coach. "If we had a salary cap then he would still be playing in the English Premier League."

The proposals for a wage cap were brought about by SPL chairman Lex Gold, who suggested that the move may help such clubs as Hearts, Motherwell and Aberdeen avoid the multi-million losses that they are currently recording.

"Most clubs spend a huge part on player wages," said Gold. "Our proposals are based upon the vision and wishes of the 12 League clubs."