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Glasgow Live
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Ben Banks

Neil Doncaster hails Celtic and Rangers Champions League joy as 'real benefit' of entry stated

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster says Celtic and Rangers competing in the Champions League group stages is massive for Scottish football.

The league CEO has spoken in the aftermath of Rangers' 1-0 play-off second leg win against PSV Eindhoven that seals a 3-2 aggregate victory and place in pot 4 alongside Celtic. There will be one more Premiership side in the European group stages this season, with Hearts facing FC Zurich in the Europa League play-offs on Thursday to see whether they compete in that phase or the Europa Conference League.

Doncaster says it's great for Scotland's standing on the world stage: “I would like to warmly congratulate everyone connected with Rangers on reaching the UEFA Champions League group stages. Rangers were worthy winners over the two matches against PSV Eindhoven. The players and coaching team deserve enormous praise for how well they have performed in European competitions in recent times.

READ MORE: Rangers transfer update as Giovanni van Bronckhorst prepared for 'crazy things' ahead of deadline

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“It is great to have two Scottish clubs back in the Champions League group stages in Rangers and Celtic for the first time since 2007/8.

"It will be a real benefit to the country’s UEFA coefficient. I would also like to wish the very best of luck to Heart of Midlothian ahead of the club’s UEFA Europa League play-off second leg against FC Zurich tomorrow.”

This is the first time Rangers have been in this stage in 12 years while the Hoops were last at this stage in the 2017/18 term.

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