SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster reckons it won’t be too long until we see more cross-border competition in football. The lower-league Irn-Bru Cup has involved teams from Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland in recent years and Doncaster thinks that’s just the start.
Last month, it was reported that Celtic were at the forefront of new plans for a new European reserve league. That story may have gone quiet but Doncaster thinks something similar will be in the offing in the not too distant future.
“I think it’s the future”, he told the BBC.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we see something around the reserve or under-21 leagues at some point in the future.
“Let’s see where it goes but I’m optimistic about being able to put something in place in the future that gives more of our teams more of an international challenge.”
Good for Celtic
This must be welcome news for Celtic and their youngsters. The opportunity for our stars of the future to pit their wits against players from similar level clubs would be great.
Celtic’s young age groups are frequently playing against Europe’s biggest sides so it seems bizarre that the development squad don’t do it as often.
Doncaster’s comments could have implications for the senior side too. European football is going to change dramatically over the next few years. The addition of a third UEFA competition from 2021 could have a serious impact on Celtic.
Cross-border competition seems like it’s just getting started. There may well be a day when Celtic no longer compete in Scotland. That day may not be too far away either.
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