Rangers’ win over Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night not only reinforced Scotland’s position in the top ten of UEFA’s coefficient rankings, it could also help secure a guaranteed Champions League group stage place for the next three years.

The Gers victory at Ibrox increased Scotland’s coefficient points to 35,300. Their nearest competitor is, coincidentally, Serbia on 32,875, and their position could be further weakened by their performances in Europe this campaign.

Partizan Belgrade lost 5-2 to Feyenoord in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie and, if they are knocked out, along with Red Star in the Europa League, it will damage their coefficient.

Another factor that will benefit Scotland from next season is that the country’s disastrous 2017/18 European campaign will be disregarded. Coefficient rankings are calculated in 5-year cycles so the Gers’ shock exit to Progres Niederkorn and Celtic’s disappointing Champions League performance will no longer count against the score.

What that means is that participation in the Champions League group stages for the winner of the Scottish Premiership is likely to be assured for a minimum of three seasons.

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