THE RISE GUYS

Ibrox No.2 McAllister thrilled that Old Firm’s heroics have lifted falling Euro coefficient

GARY McALLISTER insists Scottish football has earned the right to have two places at Europe’s top table.

And he admits the Old Firm’s heroics this season are a major shot in the arm to the game north of the border.

The top two in the Scottish Premiership are set for a crack at the Champions League the season after next – exactly a decade on from the blow of losing one of the lucrative spots.

Rangers’ comeback win against Braga at Ibrox and rivals Celtic’s battling draw in Copenhagen have seen Scotland rocket up to an incredible 14th place in UEFA’s coefficient table – from a lowly spot of 26th just three years ago.

It is almost certain to remain that way after leapfrogging Czech Republic, who have no remaining Euro representatives, and clubs from Cyprus and Greece needing to defy huge odds to turn around their respective Europa League last-32 ties. Scotland could even afford to drop one place so can now look forward to having two clubs in the Champions League from 2021/22. There was little to Braga about when

Celtic faced the Portuguese side in the Champions League qualifiers in 2010 and lost 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 first leg away loss.

As champions, Rangers qualified for the group stage that same season but that was the last time Scotland had two places in the continent’s premier competition.

But with the Glasgow giants looking good to reach the last 16 of the Europa League after their respective midweek ties McAllister is delighted at the reward.

The Light Blues assistant’s former BT Sport colleagues Gary Lineker and Owen

Hargreaves raved about the Gers during coverage of their 3-2 victory against Braga as Steven Gerrard made it 15 home European games unbeaten as Ibrox boss.

And asked about the prospect of two Champions League places, McAllister said: “That’s a massive boost for our game in Scotland. It’s a massive night.

“If both Celtic and us can get through it would be fantastic for Scottish football, a massive plus with the importance of that and the kudos it brings.

“You have to earn the right. The fact that we lost them is because we didn’t do well. This represents progress. We have

If both Celtic and Rangers can get through, it would befantastic for Scottish football, a massive plus