Celtic are currently 19 points ahead of Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership standings.
Stylian Petrov has told the Daily Record that he wants Glasgow Rangers to get back to a position where they can push Celtic.
Rangers have returned to the top flight this season, but they have failed to give Celtic much competition.
The Bhoys already look certain to win their sixth Scottish Premiership title in succession, after establishing a 19 point lead.
Celtic are still unbeaten in domestic action, while Rangers appear to still be adapting to playing top level football again.
And Petrov, who played at Parkhead between 1999 and 2006, said: “I want Rangers to come back and push Celtic. If Rangers come back and push them, Celtic will need to go and spend again and they’ll become even more powerful. That’s good for Scottish football.
“Obviously they need Rangers but Rangers have shown they are off the pace, big time.
“Having them back in the league is great. They need to push each other.”
Celtic have beaten Rangers in all three Old-Firm derbies which have taken place so far this season to further establish their superiority over their Glasgow rivals.
Rangers have made no secret of their desire to start competing with Celtic in the near future, though.
Mark Warburton’s side are eager to strengthen their team to enable them to close the gap on the Bhoys.
Celtic are next in action at the weekend against Albion Rovers, while Rangers face Motherwell.
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