Dave King in 'Rangers did this' Champions League boast as he insists Scottish football owes Ibrox side for coefficient bonanza

Rangers fans across the land spent yesterday diving into doorways and hiding in cupboards in a desperate bid to avoid a reminder of Saturday’s Parkhead humiliation from those gloating pals and grinning work-mates of a green and white persuasion.

But today as Celtic prepare to make their Champions League return, former Ibrox chairman Dave King believes those same Hoops supporters should be seeking out their rivals once more. But this time it’s not to rub bluenoses in their derby drubbing, but instead to offer thanks for the coefficient bonanza that has offered Ange Postecoglou’s side direct entry into UEFA’s premier tournament and tonight’s glamour clash with Real Madrid.

For ten of the last 11 years, the Premiership title has enjoyed virtually a permanent residence in the east end of Glasgow yet for all Celtic’s domestic dominance, success in Europe has proved out of reach. Their performances on the continent have been placed into sharp focus by Gers’ exploits abroad first under Steven Gerrard and now with Gio van Bronckhorst at the helm.

Against substantial odds, the Light Blues have not only reclaimed their former status as significant players on the European stage but also secured two Champions League slots for Scotland. Now for the first time since 2007, both Glasgow giants are lining up at the group-stage start line.

But King is adamant that only one team is responsible for this Scottish surge back into the Euro big time. “Was there ever a point where I doubted if Rangers might not reach the Champions League again?” pondered the South Africa-based former Ibrox supremo. “I was asked that question before about winning the league and I said at the time that I did think it was possible to win a title again.

“To