Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has resurrected the debate surrounding a possible Old Firm move to the English Leagues.

Glasgow's big two have, in the past, expressed a desire to join the Premiership, but failed to receive encouragement from most other club chairmen in Scotland. The controversial debate has since died down, but Lawwell revealed Old Firm officials are still confident their dream would come true.

"It will happen and the market will prevail, but the difficulty is saying when. We are not pushing it, but we're plugged into what's happening elsewhere and there is real opportunity for change.

"You're seeing in Italy clubs going under and difficulties in terms of competition for the top three or four teams in England. That is the same in Spain, Italy and Germany - how can you keep that when the strong are getting stronger and the weak are getting weaker?

"In terms of England at the moment attendances are down, the average viewing figures for Sky are down and Match of the Day viewing figures are down. Therefore there is a possible opportunity for Celtic and Rangers to take advantage of.

"There's a possibility. We want to win the Scottish Premier League, but for us to maximise our potential we need to be playing in an environment that gets the exposure that is enjoyed in England, Spain and Italy.

"Therefore it would be irresponsible for the board not to look that way. Where we are now you would need to exit in a consensus manner and the legislation in England and the hurdles could be overcome, but you need someone that wants you.

Lawwell claimed playing in the Premiership would give Celtic the potential to be as big as Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"We want to be back in the European finals," he continued. "If we were on a level playing field with Manchester United in terms of the media income then this club would go beyond that. We would become the biggest club in the world."

First things first though and Celtic are boosted by the return of Alan Thompson and Stanislav Varga from suspension and a knee injury respectively for today's tie against Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Jackie McNamara and Bobo Balde have been carrying knocks but are included, while midfielder Rocco Quinn joins the squad with Didier Agathe still out.

Martin O'Neill said Balde hasn't responded yet to Celtic's contract offer. "He is still considering what has been put to him," said the Celtic manager. "If things are right I think he would prefer to stay."

Celtic have the chance to extend their lead at the top, as second-placed Rangers don't play until tomorrow - away to Aberdeen.

New Rangers signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos has returned home before linking up with the Light Blues next week.

Striker Nacho Novo has completed his suspension, but Shota Arveladze (calf) and Peter Lovenkrands (thigh) are both still out.