McCoist: Old Firm could cope in Premier League

Ally McCoist is feels Rangers and Celtic would have no problems in holding their own in the Premier League - if given the opportunity to join English football's elite.

The debate about the Old Firm quitting Scottish football was re-opened by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell this week when he reiterated his desire to see the Glasgow giants move south of the border.

His Ibrox counterpart Martin Bain then revealed his belief that the Scottish champions would move on from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League within the next decade.

"I definitely think they could compete," said the Rangers assistant manager.

"I don't have any doubts about that. Rangers and Celtic are as big as most clubs in England.

"Manchester United are way out on their own but Rangers and Celtic, in terms of stature of the clubs, are bigger than most in England.

"If it did happen, certainly within four or five years, we would be competing at some sort of level.

"I'm not saying for a minute we are going to win it, but we would be able to compete."