PETER LAWWELL believes Celtic would become "the biggest club in the world" if they could wriggle free from the constraints of playing in Scotland.

However, the reality is, for every season they play in a league without a Rangers presence, it is costing the Hoops £10million in lost revenue.

The fact Celtic are still recording profits is down to careful management and income from player sales and the Champions League.

But Lawwell revealed talks - involving Celtic - are ongoing with a view to creating a multi- country league which could help close the gap between Europe's elite clubs and the rest.

For now, however, the Parkhead outfit will continue to keep a close check on their spending, and that includes salaries.

The question of signing up to the Living Wage agreement was raised at the club's AGM.

A proposal to become accredited was not supported by the board and has gone to a poll.

Chairman Ian Bankier considers the entire issue to be a "hot potato", which the government should deal with.

Celtic believe they are being used by outside agencies.

Bankier explained that it could cost the Hoops £500,000 per year to bring the 180 staff affected up to £7.85-per-hour level.

They do, however, intend to move all permanent staff to this rate after consultation with them, but without being accredited to the Living Wage as they believe this would see some control of their outgoings moving outwith the club.

Lawwell said: "We are good employers, but we listen to our supporters and we're going to do something about it.

"We've been used. Our club has been used over this campaign by politicians and others.

"They have hitched their wagon to Celtic for the profile of their own political agenda.

"It's quite disappointing that's the case."

Most of the people involved are in the retail side of the business, which Lawwell insisted was a very competitive area.

He claimed, however, they pay more than their main competitors in this sector, Sports Direct, which is owned by the man currently ploughing millions into Rangers, Mike Ashley.

When asked if he had any concerns there may be a conflict of interests with Newcastle owner Ashley if he becomes a board member at Rangers, Lawwell replied: "Potentially there is.

"But I'm sure the SFA and other authorities will scrutinise, analyse and do the right thing."

Lawwell reiterated the club's unwavering stance on sporting integrity, and dismissed former manager Gordon Strachan's, suggestion the situation should be "manipulated" to get Rangers, Hearts and Hibs back into the top division

He said: "I love Gordon dearly, he's a pal. But he is way off the mark there.

"We'd never support that. There have been no discussions on it."

Lawwell explained Celtic's robust financial strategy has allowed them to remain in profit even with the loss of income generated by Old Firm competition.

So there is no imperative for them to back any fast-tracking to the top flight.

He said: "If you go back to the application from Rangers - as it is now - to get back into the SPFL, the same logic is being applied.

"It's sporting integrity.It's a sporting football competition and, above all else, you have to apply the rules.

"To manipulate those would be wrong. There would be clubs that would benefit, but others would suffer."