Euro boost

Celtic and Rangers ‘almost certain’ to earn Scotland two Champions League places due to soaring coefficient

SCOTLAND are in a very good position to finish inside UEFA top 15, according to stats guru Dale Johnson.

The ESPN FC editor, who specialises in permutations and coefficients, claims Celtic and Rangers just need TWO wins between them to be 'almost certain' of staying in the top 15.

Another solid night in Europe for the Hoops and Light Blues has moved Scotland up the rankings into the coveted 15th position.

Neil Lennon's men recorded a 3-1 win over Rennes while Steven Gerrard and Co picked up a 2-2 draw with Feyenoord in Rotterdam.

Finishing in our current ranking spot or above at the end of the season would guarantee TWO Champions League places and keep any Europa League places for the 2021-22 season.

But how do we go around achieving this? Johnson explained the possible scenarios outlined below.

Scotland are now within just two wins of Czech Republic, which will have no teams left in Europe after the group stages end.

Slavia Prague have one more game to play in the Champions League away to Borussia Dortmund.

Denmark - who sit 13th - still have Copenhagen competing in European competition and they are on course to reach the knockout stages.

Johnson claims two wins and a draw between the Old Firm could see Scotland leapfrog Denmark in the rankings too.

Celtic have at least THREE more games in European competition after securing their last 32 spot while Rangers have it all in their own hands heading into the final round of group games.

But can Scotland be knocked out of 15th spot before the end of the season?

Well, Cyprus currently sit just one draw behind Scotland - APOEL have reached the knockout stages of the UEL and remain a danger.

Greece rank 17th but are three wins behind Scotland with Olympiakos requiring a win at home to Red Star to remain in Europe beyond Christmas.

Serbia are also still a threat. Partizan have been eliminated from the Europa League but have one final fixture against Astana.

Crvena zvezda (Red Star) may be knock out of Europe all together - but they could still end up in the Europa League last 32 if they defeat Olympiakos in Greece.

Scotland's coefficent would be further boosted by victories in the last round of Europa League fixtures.

Rangers need a result against Young Boys to qualify for the next stage - and victory would ensure a top place finish in Group G.

Celtic are already through as group winners but a win over Cluj in Romania would go a long way towards securing the coveted 15th position.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page