‘I think a lot of people in Scottish football would like to see them gone’ says Stubbs

brands would be so appealing to some major investors out there.”

Convinced that Celtic and Rangers would prosper among the giants of English football, Stubbs added: “It would be inevitable, and it wouldn't be long, before they would be challenging among the top echelons of a British League.”

He has some doubts, however, about how the Scottish game would look if its two most successful clubs departed the scene. “I think a lot of people in Scottish football would like to see them gone,” Stubbs said.

“I am not so sure [that the game would thrive] but it would certainly survive. But losing Celtic and Rangers would certainly have an impact on revenue. Would Sky still want to do their deal without the two clubs? Personally I think probably not.

“But a lot of the other clubs would like to see it happening and allow them to fight for the league. It then brings your Hibs, Aberdeen and Hearts into a force - fighting for the title. It would make Scottish football more competitive and that would appeal to a lot of people.”

Stubbs, although excited about the prospect of a British League, admits there are a lot of obstacles in the way. “The reality of it actually happening is another thing,” he said.

"As we've seen from the outcry that followed the big six clubs in England acting so selfishly (it) means there will be a lot of arguments still to come.

“I mean, how do we actually get Celtic and Rangers into the Premier League? Are all these clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two just going to accept it? It's a minefield."