Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish added his voice to the call for Celtic and Rangers to be allowed to join the Premier League.

So far, the proposal by Bolton’s Phil Gartside, which involves a two-tier Premier League including the Old Firm, has received support form David Moyes, Martin O’Neill and Harry Redknapp. Whilst the proposal would require the support of a majority of top league chairmen, McLeish is sure that the move south will eventually happen for Scotland’s big two.

"They are more than just clubs. They are enormous institutions who deserve to have a platform like that.” said the Scot. "Can I see a day when it actually happens? Yes, I can.”

McLeish believes that the influence that television companies have over the game here will ultimately override the concerns of the football authorities.

Another Scot, James McFadden, has stated that he would tell a referee if he was awarded a penalty kick without deserving it. His comments come in the week that City were denied a win at Anfield after Liverpool’s David Ngog won a controversial penalty, falling in the area apparently without being touched. When asked if he would match fellow countryman Kevin Kyle’s indicated that he would dive for his country, McFadden insisted "No way…..I find it hard, I couldn't dive. I wouldn't ever deliberately dive and try to con a penalty for any benefit because in the end you look stupid.