John Hartson in surprise Rangers Europa League confession but Celtic hero insists it's not the real prize

Former Celtic hero John Hartson admits Rangers are well in the race for Europa League glory - but insists the Premiership battle matters more.

Rangers travel to the the infamous Marakana Stadium on Thursday as they look to protect their 3-0 lead from the first leg in Serbia.

The convincing Ibrox victory leaves fans with one eye on the last eight of the competition and aspirations of going all the way to Seville.

Hartson reckons Gio van Bronckhorst's side have what it takes to go all the way having already secured a thumping win over Borussia Dortmund.

However, with the Champions League group stage spot up for grabs for the Premiership winner, he believes the Scottish title is the real prize.

When asked about the prospect of both Rangers and Celtic reaching the Champions League group stage if the Europa League trophy was brought back to Glasgow, he told Go Radio: “What a thought that would be.

“Both clubs know the carrot at the end of the season, and Rangers will have to go some (to win the Europa League).

“Listen it’s not beyond all realms for them to go on and win the Europa League, they got to a final several years ago and both clubs did it within a matter of a few years.

“The way they are playing, particularly away from home, with Morelos on fire and the atmosphere they create at Ibrox when they play at home; they trounce teams when they play with that crowd behind them, big sides as well.

“I think both clubs will be looking at the league as the main priority; obviously Celtic are not in Europe.

“But in terms of giving the manager the opportunity to build, certainly from Ange Postecoglou’s point of view the league (is the priority), you can imagine what he would do with £20-25million as a big nest egg, with