Scottish football is going through a renaissance right now, not just when it comes to the national team, but also in domestic terms. The SPL is buzzing.

Rangers and Celtic have both proved in the Champions League that they are as good as most Premier League sides. Let's be honest, could the four English sides have beaten multiple French title holders Lyon so easily on their own patch? Could they have seen off Champions League holders AC Milan?

Walter Smith, Gordon Strachan and Scotland boss Alex McLeish are the three glowing lights of football north of the border and add into that mix the exciting managerial talent of John Collins, who is doing a fantastic job at Hibernian.

'Were the two Glasgow giants placed into the English Premier League right now, then they would have a decent chance of getting a coveted top-four placing'


It’s an age-old debate and one that has disappeared somewhat, probably because the SPL is in a healthy state right now, but I truly believe that were the two Glasgow giants placed into the English Premier League, then they would have a decent chance of getting a coveted top-four placing. I put them in the same class as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. I even believe that the Easter Road outfit would score a top-seven finish, such is the blossoming state of the Scottish league.

Look at the way that Scotland fought against Italy, France and the Ukraine to get within a whisker of qualification for Euro 2008, compared to Steve McClaren's England hoping that Israel do them a favour to help them qualify from a far inferior group. This is more than likely down to the lack of pride shown by English players but it shows just how far the Scottish game has come along that many believe that McLeish’s men can beat World Cup holders Italy at Hampden next month and secure their place at next summer's finals.

This week sees Rangers take on Barcelona and Celtic travel to Benfica – fans of both sides must have to pinch themselves to see if this is really happening. Glamorous fixtures against world-class sides, and what’s more the very real prospect of their team being triumphant.

There is still a general lack of respect from some quarters in England; fans who think that Scottish football is sub-standard, the self same people who believe there isn’t life outside the Premier League. The EPL may be the best in the world but it’s time these supporters took a fresh look at the game. The Scottish game has great young talent coming through. It’s a long time since the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen were doing their nation proud but we are in a new era now where Scottish football is rising fast.

And come November 17, the cynical English fans might be laughing on the other side of their faces.

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