There does not appear to be much support for the concept of an Atlantic league which has been raised again by Michael van Praag, the president of the Dutch Football Association. He plans to lobby UEFA about a structure, first suggested at the end of the 1990s, that would have clubs from across Europe playing each other for the right to enter UEFA competitions. With the Old Firm being the most likely invitees to such a league, it would provide them with an option other than playing in England. Former Celtic striker Joe Craig believes such an idea would be an "absolute disaster". However, the plans have been welcomed by Rangers chief executive Martin Bain, although his Celtic counterpart Peter Lawwell last week branded it a "Frankenstein." concept As far as Craig is concerned, he simply cannot see how such a league could work in practice.

He said: "It would capture the imagination at home but away from home it would be an absolute disaster. Imagine playing Anderlecht on a Tuesday night when guys have got to be back at their work the next day. I just don't think it would happen. I don't know if they are doing it for football reasons or financial reasons and that's the crux of the matter. It's the financial aspect of it. We know in this country we will never compete with the likes of Manchester United but we never have. Nothing has changed."

Celtic are more interested in moving to join the English league structure but Craig insists the Old Firm should stay in the SPL. He said: "I can understand it. Financially, it would be a bonus for the clubs to go and play in bigger leagues and compete with the best. But, personally, I'm against it. This is the country they play in. Even if you look at Spain, there are only two teams who dominate that league. The same with Germany and Holland. You can go through most of the European leagues and there are only two or three teams who dominate. I can understand why they want to do it. I just think it's wrong."

Meanwhile, UEFA have confirmed they would be not be in favour of the idea of an Atlantic league in principle. Rob Faulkner, head of communications, said: "Our principle is that we are against cross-border leagues but if they want to officially propose something they can do so and it will then go through the correct channels. Our view is that clubs should compete in their own domestic championship and qualify for Europe that way."