McConnell warns Old Firm

Celtic and Rangers are Scotland's two biggest teams

Scotland's first minister has warned against the Old Firm harbouring hopes of moving to the English Premiership.

Jack McConnell said the country should do all it can to retain its "Scottish character".

Instead he called for a midweek European league to satisfy Celtic and Rangers' television rights hopes.

His comments come days after Celtic director Dermot Desmond said football would be better off if the club went south.

Football concerns

Mr McConnell said he would have concerns about the future health of Scottish football if its two biggest clubs left.

Speaking on Westsound Radio he said: "I've got some reservations about the idea of the Old Firm playing in England.

"My preferred option would probably still be that we find a way of the Old Firm playing more games against European opposition during the course of the year.

"It seems to me to be an idea that's got some potential for Celtic and Rangers."

Jack McConnell wants the Old Firm to remain in Scotland

European games at Ibrox and Celtic Park could bring in valuable TV income for the clubs, he added.

"In the absence of that, I can see why the clubs are worried and thinking about the English league option, although I do think that's fraught with some difficulties for the rest of Scottish football."

Dermot Desmond claimed the Old Firm would generate £100m a year extra revenue for the Premiership.

But the English FA and Premier League have said there is no chance of Celtic and Rangers being invited to play south of the border.