Rod Stewart in bullish Celtic and Rangers defence as Hotline cynics told to 'get real' after nightmare Euro week

Wake up Wullie Graham, Sir Rod Stewart has something to say to you! Fans of Scotland’s three UEFA representatives might not wanna talk about it, but the pop icon had plenty to get off his chest about last week’s Euro horror show.

Sir Rod was compelled to call in to the Hotline after reading Saturday’s contribution from Bristol caller Wullie, who thinks we are sailing towards the European abyss after a dreadful week for our teams on the continent. Sir Rod said: “Dear Wully Graham from Bristol, I feel I must jump to the defence of Scottish teams in Europe.

“I’m sure you are aware that Scottish teams have punched above their weight for decades. Scotland’s football economy is slim to say the least. Let’s look at the squad values - Real Madrid’s £328million against Celtic’s £28million. Ajax’s team is worth £102million compared to Rangers’ £14million. This gulf in wealth obviously means that the elite of Europe can buy the best players and there lies the difference.

“In saying this, let’s not forget Rangers amazing run in the Europa League last season and Celtic’s first half display against Real Madrid, where Celtic had Real Madrid rattled in the first half and could have taken a 2-0 lead. Let’s also not forget that way back when all teams were playing on the same playing field, so to speak, Celtic won the European Cup, the first British club to do so, and with an all Scottish born team of players.

"So one could theorise that if the transfer market was governed and all clubs had access to all players maybe a different outcome would be seen nowadays. To be honest Wully, I can’t see any Scottish team winning the Champions League due to the level of competition and the extreme wealth required to be competitive.

“Scottish