FORMER Celtic skipper Tom Boyd reckons the loss of Old Firm games should not have a negative impact on the Parkhead club's attendances.
There are fears the demotion of Rangers to the Third Division could make it a tougher sell for Celtic without the carrot of derby showdowns to dangle in front of fans.
But Boyd insists the green-and-white hoards should continue to back their team throughout the coming years.
He said: "It shouldn't be a hard sell if you are a Celtic fan. It's not Rangers you are supporting or the derby game, it's Celtic. You should be there to support the club if you can financially afford it.
"I do not see why you would buy a season ticket just for one game.
"We don't know exactly what is happening with the TV deal yet. But with the loss of revenue that Rangers brought to the SPL, you certainly need more supporters going to every club and creating a better atmosphere.
"Maybe there will be a renewed optimism about having a chance to finish second or even pushing Celtic all the way in the title race. We certainly hope the game changes and we can be a wee bit more positive about it."
Boyd also admitted he is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Rangers' use of the EBT scheme with interest and believes the Ibrox club should definitely be stripped of titles if found guilty.
When asked if he agreed with such calls, he said: "Yes but it's not been decided yet, there's not been a conclusion has there? You would need to wait until we find out."
Boyd, who could be in line for a couple of title medals added: "A couple? I'd probably be due more than a couple I think, when you look back on the number of years.
"We'll wait and see the outcome of the appeal if that's the case. The correct thing to do is not so much give it to other teams but punish those teams for losing it.
"If they are found to have been getting in fraudulently or cheating through that way then obviously, yes, I think the appropriate punishment would be to strip them of these titles. But we will wait and see if that has been the case."
Boyd now believes it is time to talk up Scottish football and says fans have plenty to look forward to.
Boyd said: "No, I'm not worried for Scottish football, I'm here to talk it up. We have been doom and gloom for the past weeks and months, but we need to try and be positive to get investment, to get a TV deal and show that we have good young players.
'We're a selling country and even at Celtic we will sometimes sell on the best young players if the price is right.
"There is too much negativity."