Scottish champions Celtic are nowhere near the level of the Premier League and would even struggle in the Championship, according to former Arsenal star Perry Groves.

Last season, Brendan Rodgers’ side became the first Scottish team since Rangers in 1899 to end their league campaign undefeated – finishing a whole 30 points clear of runners-up Aberdeen.

A debate over whether Celtic and Old Firm rivals Rangers could move over to English football has been raging for years, with many calling for a merge at one point when both were at the peak of their recent rivalry.

Rangers have, of course, dropped off the pace in recent years, leaving Celtic to completely dominate the Scottish top flight in their absence – winning six straight titles since Rangers’ liquidation and reformation.

However, despite their incredible domestic success, a number of the talkSPORT team believe they would struggle to compete in England.

Speaking on the Jim White show in talkSPORT, co-host Bob Mills said: “Do you remember when we used to have that conversation seriously about Celtic and Rangers playing in the Premier League?

“I don’t think Celtic would survive in the Premier League, I think they’re a good Championship team.”

Former Arsenal star Groves added: “I agree, I think they’d be top six in the Championship. They’d have to get used to the competitiveness!

“At the moment, the Celtic players know they can play at 60 or 70 per cent and still win – like Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona in their leagues.

“For motivation, Brendan Rodgers has to say to his players to go through the league unbeaten again AND they have to get out of the group stage in the Champions League.

“The league is basically theirs, but their big goal now has to be the Champions League – that’s where they’ll determine where they are in European football and if they could survive in the Premier League.

“But I don’t think they could.”