‘There will always be a Glasgow Rangers,’ says Lomas

First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday that he believes the survival of Rangers is crucial for rivals Celtic and the rest of Scottish football to prosper. The politician’s opinion prompted an angry response from Celtic, with Parkhead chairman Peter Lawwell having stated earlier this week that he does not believe Celtic need Rangers in order to continue to thrive.

But Lomas appeared to share Salmond’s opinion on a strong Rangers, saying: “I don’t think anybody should take any pleasure out of the situation.

“Scotland needs a strong Old Firm and so it gives me no pleasure to see Glasgow Rangers in the position they’re in. Hopefully Rangers will sort their problems out.

“I don’t think Scottish football will go under, although I certainly don’t think [Rangers’ demise] would help.

“I think there will always be a Glasgow Rangers Football Club. There is too much history there, too much fanbase.

“At the end of the day, we all know the implications of administration and liquidation but hopefully, fingers crossed, it doesn’t get to that.”