Brian Laudrup feels the financial power that comes from being in the Champions League will make Rangers' task of competing with fierce rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership all the tougher.

While the Bhoys failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage throughout Ronny Deila's spell in charge, they have changed all that this summer under Brendan Rodgers.
 



Celtic are in the lucrative group stage and have mouthwatering games against Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester City to come.

Laudrup, who played for Rangers between 1994 and 1998, thinks that Celtic's increased financial power due to the Champions League gives them a big advantage over the Gers.
 


"I’m sure Rangers will do their utmost to close the gap but the economic power of playing in the Champions League will be to Celtic’s advantage", Laudrup was quoted as saying by the Herald Scotland.

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"It’s for Rangers to catch up. We will wait and see what happens but I think it’s great to see them back.

"Even Celtic fans will be looking forward to the Old Firm games again."

Mark Warburton's Rangers lock horns with Celtic for the first time this season after the international break.

The Gers head into the fixture sitting one point behind Celtic, who have won their opening three league games this season to sit top of the Premiership.

Rangers meanwhile have drawn two and won two of their fixtures to boast eight points.