ROVERS boss Graeme Souness today revealed he would welcome a move to bring Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic under the umbrella of the Premiership -- providing it didn't happen at anyone else's expense.

Former Rangers boss Souness has joined the debate surrounding the future of the Scottish superpowers after a spate of stories on the subject have appeared in the national Press.

But, though he admits their inclusion would generate extra interest in the competition, he isn't prepared to give the plans his full backing unless certain safeguards are put in place to protect the futures of current top-flight clubs like Rovers.

"It would be wonderful to have both of them operating in the Premier League but, at the same time, if it meant it was going to put our place or some of the other teams' places at risk, then we wouldn't be voting for it," said Souness.

"They're not likely to expand the size of the league so it would therefore mean someone else having to drop out to make way.

"Aside from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Leeds and maybe Chelsea, the rest of the teams start the season making sure they're not going to relegated. So if letting in the teams in from Scotland would mean forcing two of the others to drop out then it would be very hard for a club like us to vote for something like that.

"Certainly, in footballing terms and from the interest it would create, however, it would be wonderful to have them."

Moves are already afoot to invite the two Glasgow giants into the Worthington Cup.

The ground-breaking scheme -- designed to revitalise the competition -- is being spearheaded by Football League chairman Keith Harris.

And, if that gets the green light, then it may just enhance their prospects of joining the Premiership, despite a veto to the contrary from UEFA.

"We are now looking into exactly what it would require to invite Celtic and Rangers into the Cup competition," said Harris.

"We shall be discussing it with all the interested parties in due course."