Joe Cole reckons the Champions League is a level above Celtic and Rangers at this moment in time - even in comparison to the average teams at the top table.
The Old Firm duo have struggled to make their mark in Europe's premier competition with the Hoops now officially unable to reach the last 16 stage with two games left to play in their section following a home defeat to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
Across Glasgow, things are not going much better for last season's Europa League finalists with three defeats from three games and no goals scored in the competition yet. It's another tough task for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men this evening as they welcome Liverpool to Ibrox for part two of their Battle of Britain showdown. Jurgen Klopp's men ran out 2-0 winners last week but in truth it could have been more had it not been for the heroics of veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
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Former Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham star Cole is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou but concedes there is a difference in quality between Celtic and Rangers and Europe's elite. The 40-year-old says it is 'great' to have the duo back in the competition but they are currently out of their depth.
Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Cole said: "We have to always put an asterisk on when talking about Scottish football. It has been in the doldrums for a long time.
"Both Celtic and Rangers seem to be very exciting but there is a level to this game and I just think Champions League football is a little bit too much at the moment, but I like [Ange] Postecoglou.
"It is great to have them back in. We've grown up watching and playing against great Rangers and Celtic sides. Great to have them in the Champions League but there is a difference of quality. Even from the average Champions League teams I think."
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