Moyes backs two-tier league plan

Everton manager David Moyes has backed proposals for a two-tier Premier League involving Celtic and Rangers.

The idea, suggested by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, will be discussed by Premier League clubs next week.

"I'd like to see it because I'm a Scotsman and I think it would be great to see Celtic and Rangers initially in a Premier League Two," said Moyes.

"TV would be interested, media would be interested and the crowds at every ground in the country would increase."

Moyes added: "Both Celtic and Rangers have as big a support as any team in England. From that point of view it would help the game in England if we need a boost in revenue."

Gartside's plan, initially proposed last year, involves the Premier League being expanded into two divisions of 18 teams.

The inclusion of Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers could lead to an increase in television revenue that would be spread across a greater number of teams.

Gartside, one of the longest-serving chairmen in the top flight, said when he first floated the idea that he felt it would make the Premier League more competitive.

The proposals have struggled to gain support, with the top clubs keen to protect the status quo. Any change to the Premier League rules would require 14 clubs to vote in favour.

"I would rather this than an Atlantic league, or some other European league," said Moyes, a former Celtic player. "We have Welsh teams playing in English football so why not Scottish?

"The Scottish teams are really, really big clubs and I feel it would be good for everyone.

"I am sure it would work, even if it would open a can of worms over other nations, say Belgian and Holland, for example, joining forces."

Meanwhile, Moyes has admitted that the burden of midweek European football is stretching his squad to the limits and having a detrimental effect on the club's league form.

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Everton, who lost 2-0 to Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday night, go into Sunday's league meeting with West Ham without injury victims Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Victor Anichebe, James Vaughan and Phil Neville.

"Maybe we could look back and say Europe has been a hindrance to us," he said.

"I've tried not to have any regrets but the more and more games you play the more you realise that managers have talked a lot of sense in the past.

"It makes it very difficult to win the Premier League games when you have got midweek games.

"Maybe that's why the word rotation has been used quite a lot to try to make sure everybody is as fresh as they can be.

"I've always wanted to put out my strongest team but undoubtedly it could be having an effect on some of the Premier League results."

Everton are only two points above the relegation zone after collecting just three wins in 10 league games this season.

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