Sir David Murray has bluntly stated that Celtic and Rangers are not Champions League standard clubs.
The former Ibrox chairman reckons the Glasgow rivals are more suited to the Europa League, as he referenced expectations from supporters against the backdrop of major financial disparities in European competition.
Murray believes neither Celtic nor Rangers have the income necessary to compete in the elite European competition.
This season, Celtic are in the league phase of the Europa League, with Rangers not in a European competition after being knocked out of qualifying.
Speaking on the Graeme Souness Tackles podcast, he said: "I think the problem you have got is you take Rangers Football Club, they have been in five European finals, Manchester City have only been in four.
"So put it in perspective how much they have gone back a wee bit, Rangers.
"The fact of the matter is Rangers and Celtic, if they are being honest with themselves, are not Champions League clubs.
"They don't have the income.
"Celtic's model, buy a player at 22, sell him, reinvest, sell, reinvest. That has not worked out too well. Rangers, the same, not worked out too well.
"I think they are aiming too high and don't have the funds.
"I think the fans have too much expectation in Rangers and Celtic to play at a higher level, and I don't think they have got the financial wherewithal to do it."
He added: "It's difficult to compete in the Champions League with the pressure from the fans.
"I think they are Europa League standard."
