Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Celtic newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

CELTIC have warned Rangers to get back up to the big league this season as there will be no Premiership bail out from the Bhoys.

Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell is adamant his club will not support any reconstruction rescue package if the Gers fall short and once again claimed “sporting integrity” is paramount.

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan sparked debate last month when he admitted there may have to be “manipulation” of the SPFL to accommodate Rangers, Hearts and Hibs back in the top flight.

But as Rangers and Hearts prepare to meet in a championship table topping clash at Tynecastle, Lawwell moved to distance himself from suggesting Celtic would ever give their backing to an end of season leg-up for any of the second tier’s big three.

Celtic posted profits to the end of June of £11.2 million on turnover of £64.7 million and admit the absence of the Light Blues is costing them around £10 million a year.

Lawwell said: “I love Gordon dearly, he is a pal. But he is way off the mark there. We would never support that and there have been no discussions on it.

“There is a £10 million effect, that’s the case. But if you go back to the application from Rangers – as it is now – to get back into the SPFL the same logic is being applied.

“It’s sporting integrity. It’s a competition. It’s a sporting football competition and above all else you have to apply the rules.

“To manipulate those would be wrong. There would be clubs that would benefit – but others would suffer.”

Lawwell and chairman Ian Bankier had united earlier at a question and answer session of around 400 shareholders at the Kerrydale Suite after one fan demanded there be no compromise on the issue of league reconstruction.

Lawwell insisted Celtic would maintain their stance and continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes, often in private to protect staff.

Bankier said: “Believe me, we will do our utmost on behalf of Celtic and Scottish football to maintain its integrity.”

Lawwell added: “I agree, 100 per cent. We do a lot of work behind the scenes and will support the interests of our club to its ultimate ends.

“There are time we feel the need to keep some things private because we have a responsibility to the club, the board and our staff.

“It’s important they are protected as it was only two years ago there were bombs and bullets sent through the post.”

Asked to clarify his comments later, he said: “Some of our supporters get frustrated that Celtic don’t ‘stand up for the club.’

“The point I was making was that we do, that’s our job. However, we just don’t publicise it because we have a responsibility to fans and our staff and we don’t think it is responsible to fan the flames. When we can avoid it, we will avoid it.”

Hoops boss Ronny Deila hinted at the frustration of dealing with agents and trying to secure hitman John Guidetti on a permanent deal.

He told supporters: “If you were in the discussions with John Guidetti you would start laughing, because it’s crazy.”

Lawwell said: “John is obviously enjoying it. Ronny really wants him, he has lit up the place and we would like to have him.

“However, he will be in demand and we are talking to his people. Whether he is willing to commit to us now or at the end of the season I don’t know.”

“Does he have to sacrifice cash? I don’t know what his expectations are, so we haven’t got to that yet.”

Lawwell revealed negotiations over a new contract for former Scotland attacker Kris Commons are also ongoing.

He said: “We’re in discussions with Kris and his agent over the structure of a deal. The ball is in his court.”