Accepting Porto, Lyon and PSV Eindhoven as role models in his club's bid to feature regularly in the latter stages of the Champions League, he insisted that these teams have a means of offsetting the drawbacks of operating within modest television markets.

"They're all traders, buyers and sellers, and they provide good value, so they would be nearest to us," Lawwell told Scotland on Sunday. "However, they have a significant advantage over us because their immigration policy isn't as the UK's, and they can bring in young players from Africa, South America and the former Soviet Union countries.

"We are trying to lobby the government to eliminate that disadvantage. At the same time, the key is to bring on Scottish talent, and we're spending £1.5m a year to do just that. As long as we can prove that we're continuing to do that, I see no reason why we shouldn't be allowed to bring in foreign youngsters, coach them - and sell them and then reinvest the money in Scottish talent.

"There is an understanding that we're at a disadvantage. It's a government thing clearly - the Home Office - and we're hoping to put forward our arguments there. If we bring in a young African boy on a three-year contract on a decent wage, then there is no threat to immigration policy. We are not suggesting we open the borders."

Lawwell also floated the idea of fielding a Celtic reserve-team in the Scottish Football League.