Ibrox Exclusive: Frank McAvennie claims Rangers and Celtic could challenge in EPL
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish international Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Frank McAvennie has claimed that Rangers and Celtic would be more than capable of “challenging” if they made a move to the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Hoops striker suggested that the Old Firm have “outgrown” Scottish football, and have the fanbases needed to make a success of things south of the border – albeit after a period of transition.
Hearts manager Craig Levein recently told BBC Sportsound that he would “love” to see the two Glaswegian giants make the switch for the sake of other teams in Scotland.
And McAvennie does not believe that the Gers would have anything to worry about if they were to move into the English top flight.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “Listen, people in England will say ‘no, they couldn’t match up, they couldn’t match up’, but trust me, they could.
“They’ve got a support bigger than anybody down there – your Manchester Uniteds, your Liverpools. They’re up there.
“I think if you were to put Celtic and Rangers in the Premier League, with the money they’d have, there’s no way that players wouldn’t want to go and play for them. Players only don’t want to go now because they’re going to a lower division, a lower standard.
“If they were in England, it may take them a couple of years, but they would be challenging. I think Celtic and Rangers have outgrown Scotland.”
The prospect of Rangers and Celtic joining the English league system is one that has been discussed for some time.
However, during a conversation between Andy Gray and Richard Keys broadcast by beIN Sports, the latter pointed out that the constitution of the Premier League makes it far more likely that the Gers would be expected to join the Championship and work their way up.
In other Rangers news, Leon Balogun has started life in Glasgow brilliantly.