In the wake of Celtic’s continued domination in Scotland, which has seen them tie up their sixth title in succession – their manager Brendan Rodgers believes they could compete at the top end of the Premier League.
Former Liverpool boss Rodgers insisted after claiming the title that Celtic could more than hold their own
“Could we play in the Premier League? Yes, we could,” said Rodgers.
“I have absolutely no doubt about it because we’ve got the Celtic factor. We have 60,000 every other week. Without the money alone, this team would compete in the Premier League
“We took a Swansea team who won the Championship into the Premier League and we finished 11th but for us and what we were trying to do that was very, very good.
“But this is Celtic. This is one of the great iconic clubs in the world so there is no doubt that with this group we could go in [there and compete]. Imagine the backing then. Celtic would be one of the minimum top four, top six clubs in the English Premier League and then that puts you on a different level altogether.”
We spoke to our Football Insider Graeme Bailey about the continued talk of Celtic and Rangers making the move to England.
“In theory it would be great, two giants from another British city bringing two sides who would fill their huge stadiums to the Premier League, but for so many reasons I can never see this happening,” said Bailey.
“Whilst no doubting it would give a boost to English football and the Premier League, it would surely be the death of the Scottish Football League as we know it, yes it isn’t a great system at the moment but I think once Rangers get back up to speed, it will naturally become more competitive.
“To take those two out of the game in Scotland would not be the right thing, in my opinion – but it would certainly make life interesting if they ever did.”
Bookmakers WilliamHill rate Celtic at 8/1 to be in the Premier League by 2021/22 and do not think it is a likely proposition.
WilliamHill spokesman Joe Crilly told TheGamblingTimes.com: “There would obviously be discord both north and south of the border if Celtic were to move and at 8/1, we don’t think they will be heading to the Premier League any time soon.”