KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies insists it is only a matter of time before a team outside the Old Firm wins the Clydesdale Bank Premier League if the Glasgow giants' finances do not improve.
The Rugby Park manager says the quality at Celtic and Rangers has diminished over the last couple of years, with neither club any longer in a position to afford the standard of players they boasted in the past.
Both teams have shipped points in t
he SPL already this season and Jefferies believes other clubs are more willing to have a go and are now less intimidated by the Old Firm.
Hibernian head into the weekend action just two points behind Rangers and three adrift of leaders Celtic, with Anthony Stokes claiming last week that the Edinburgh outfit could be the first team since Hearts to separate the big two.
But, as far as Jefferies is concerned, one of the SPL's other teams could soon go one better and claim the top prize.
"I still think Rangers and Celtic will be first and second again this year," he said.
"But if things continue like this and they don't get the finances, there is always the chance of another club coming through and winning the title. Over the years with the cut-backs and lack of finance, a lot of their players now come from Scottish clubs. I'm not saying they don't deserve to be there, but they have had to follow in the footsteps of some top players.
"Everybody is getting that bit closer. Hibs are only a couple of points behind and if that can continue until Christmas and it's very close, then that's a step forward for the other clubs and gives them more belief in the years ahead."
Celtic head into Saturday's meeting with Killie still reeling from their Co-operative Insurance Cup exit to Hearts on Wednesday night.
Tony Mowbray's men have now won just two games in nine attempts at Celtic Park this season as they prepare to host the Ayrshire club.
"You've got to give Celtic respect whether things are going for them or not," said Jefferies. "You've got to appreciate that it's tough for them because the expectations are so great there.
"They may be lacking a bit of confidence at the moment but confidence can return just as quickly as losing it and they do that by working hard and doing things right.
"We have to make sure we don't give them that opportunity to get it right."
Mowbray has quickly experienced the pressure an Old Firm manager can find himself under if results on the park do not meet expectations.
But, despite a difficult start to his tenure, Jefferies still believes Mowbray is the right man for the job.
He said: "Tony is not silly. You can't turn that job down and he is an ex-Celtic man so he knows the expectation levels. He knows that goes with the territory and he has to take it on the chin.
"He has to stick to what he believes in and take the hassle when it comes along and deal with it. If you can't handle it, it's the old cliche, you get out.
"But he's a fighter and a determined person. He got the job on merit and I still believe he will be a good manager for Celtic."
