Rangers icon Ally McCoist believes Celtic are a “Europa League club” despite securing Champions League qualification last season.
Brendan Rodgers steered the Hoops through the group stage last January and will aim to return to Europe’s elite competition by defeating Kairait Almaty in the playoff round.
Overcoming the Kazakh champions would secure a £40million financial boost, but McCoist feels the club would be performing above their usual level.
The Ibrox legend placed Rangers alongside Celtic, acknowledging that his beloved team faces a tough challenge in surpassing Club Brugge to reach the coveted group stage.
He told talkSPORT: “Taking the first game against Panathinaikos, they were very good, and a great home result in the next round. In the away leg they weren’t superb, but I was always confident they were going to go through,” reports the Daily Record.
“I think this is a different game, the opposition is obviously of a far better standard. I saw Brugge last season and they are a level up.
“Financially, it would mean so much to both Scottish clubs if they could make it through to the league phase of the Champions League.
“Whether they are equipped to handle it…well, Celtic proved last year with a couple of good performances – particularly at home – you can qualify.
“I think both clubs, to be brutally honest, are Europa League clubs at this moment in time. They can certainly go further in that tournament
“Celtic have a game against Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, and I would expect them to qualify.
“I really would. Rangers have a chance, I would suggest then go in as second favourites, but financially – just to be able to compete – they have to make it through.”