Ex-England and Tottenham striker Peter Crouch believes Celtic and Rangers would struggle to compete in England's Premier League due to a serious gulf in budgets.

The hitman understands the size of the two Glasgow clubs and insists that, in terms of fanbase, they would both be fighting it out for titles. However as things stand, the two squads assembled would not have what it takes to scrap for silverware down south financially.

Crouch, 39, did not go into too much detail about his thoughts should the two clubs earn more cash from TV rights and the Premier League's broadcasting deals, but he did give his opinion on Steven Gerrard as Light Blues boss - and he hopes his old pal lifts a trophy at Ibrox.

Asked how he felt they'd fare, Crouch wrote in his Daily Mail column: "They would be close to the top if it had anything to do with support and history. They are amazing clubs and I know from being up in Glasgow last year how enthusiastic the fans are. I was waiting in Glasgow airport with Chris Sutton and it was like sitting with Elvis.

"I’ve got to be honest with you, unfortunately, and say as things stand both Rangers and Celtic would be in the bottom half if they entered the Premier League and that is purely down to the budgets. The squads assembled and the wages the top English teams play are on another level.

"For that reason, I don’t see how Rangers or Celtic could compete. I’m enjoying watching Steven Gerrard’s progress as a manager from afar and I hope, one day, he wins a trophy at Ibrox but we need to be realistic. The top of England and the top of Scotland are two different things."