Why Celtic may trump Rangers' Champions League cash boost as Hoops set to take in £8m more than rivals

Big riches await Celtic in the Champions League group stages and Rangers too if they can make it - but it's the Hoops who stand to profit the most.

Ange Postecoglou's side have already booked their place in the lucrative arena of Europe's elite competition while Giovanni van Bronckhorst's must overcome PSV in the Netherlands after a 2-2 play-off first leg draw at Ibrox. Celtic's absence of five years from this stage will end and the draw this Thursday will tell them who is coming to Parkhead for what are bound to be famous European nights.

Rangers will hope for similar but even if they get there, they stand to make £8 million less than their fierce Glasgow rivals. The big factor, according to the Scottish Daily Express, is the payment made to each team based on their performances in Europe in the last 10 years. It's made on a sliding scale with the team ranked first getting 32 shares of the cash and club 32 earning one share.

Celtic are set to come in at number 25 which would equate to £7.7million, while Rangers, if they make it, will occupy the bottom slot, pocketing them around £1 million. The other big difference is what can be made from three huge clashes against some of the world's best.

This is where the Hoops have more financial power, as 'It is fair to say' the extra 10,000 seats at Parkhead compared to Ibrox would make a difference. Celtic can make £8 million to Rangers' £6 million in terms of Champions League ticket sales, corporate hospitality and other revenue.

Throw in TV cash and money per result, the Scottish champions stand to make up to £33million just for competing in the group. whereas their rivals are looking at around £25million. Rangers have to get there first though before eyes can be cast to