Celtic secured their place in the Champions League Group stages last week.
Rangers’ manager Mark Warburton
And writing in the Glasgow Evening Times, Derek Johnstone has suggested Rangers will be happy Celtic are in the Champions League, as it may affect their league form.
The Scottish Champions secured their place in the Champions League Group stages, despite a 2-0 loss to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel.
And Celtic were rewarded for their efforts with a tough group draw – placed in Group C alongside Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and the club, however, will be delighted to be back in the competition proper after missing out for the last two years under Ronny Deila.
But Johnstone has said Celtic will not be the only club happy with the Scottish Champions forthcoming adventures in Europe’s top competition, claiming Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts will also be pleased that Celtic now have additional distractions.
“Celtic will have six very difficult games in the Champions League, but only time will tell what impact that has in terms of the Premiership title race,” he told the Glasgow Evening Times.
“I think Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts will be happy that Celtic are in the Champions League and they will look to take advantage of any slip-ups that they make.”
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes
It will be interesting to see if the current Celtic squad is strong enough to compete at both domestic and European levels, as this season’s Scottish Premiership race is likely to be a tighter one than in recent seasons. Celtic’s main title rivals will take any advantage they can get.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson holds the matchball
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
