Scotland boss Alex McLeish anticipates the new SPL season will be a competitive affair which will help him at international level.
"Walter (Smith) is building a much stronger squad at Rangers after Celtic cantered away with the title last season," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"I am looking forward to the Old Firm putting each other under pressure and bringing out the best in the players.
"The SPL will see players being challenged so it's all looking good."
Both Smith and his Celtic counterpart, Gordon Strachan, are relying more heavily on home-based talent with a sprinkling of imports, and McLeish feels a number of other sides can also make the Premier League more competitive.
"I think a lot of people are looking forward to the new season"
"I'm hoping that Hibs can get back to where they were a couple of seasons ago.
"Last year they played some marvellous football but now they just need to add consistent results to their undoubted flair.
"Hearts under George Burley were flying and still managed to secure a Champions League place after all the changes there.
"They did not have as good a time last season but are still solid," added the former Rangers manager.
"And Aberdeen under Jimmy Calderwood look to be a really progressive team again with a lot of good developing Scottish players."
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