Alex McLeish has become the latest high-profile name to back the idea of Celtic and Rangers joining the English Premier League.

The idea is set to be officially proposed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside today (Thursday) with suggested plans to include a two-tier league of between 36 and 40 teams.

Former Celtic boss and current Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has already backed the idea and his thoughts were echoed by Birmingham City manager McLeish.

"If it can be progressed, it is a tremendous prospect, but I still think it is very early days,” said the former Rangers boss.

"I would love to see Celtic and Rangers getting a platform that would merit the institutions that they are.

"I don't want to appear disrespectful to other Scottish teams, but the size of the clubs mean they deserve more investment and backing and they would certainly get that in the Premiership.

"It is gathering a lot of momentum, but I have not found there is a real big push to move this forward.

"It would be a sensational move and, to see Rangers trotting out against Premier League teams every week, would be nothing short of phenomenal."