GRAEME SOUNESS reckons Scottish football is as far away from the European elite as it has ever been - but he hasn’t given up hope of a brighter future on the continent.

The standing of the Scottish game has plummeted in recent years as our teams have struggled in the Champions League and Europa League.

Rangers haven’t had European action since losing to Malmo and Maribor five years ago while Celtic suffered a 7-0 defeat to Barcelona on their return to the top tier earlier this month.

The Hoops host Manchester City on Wednesday night and former Ibrox boss Souness reckons the outlook is bleak as our clubs attempt to compete at the highest level.

He said: "You have heard it all before. Where Scottish football is now is a long way off being able to do well in these competitions, go far in these competitions.

“When you come up against the very best you could always be on the end of a hiding, as Celtic were in their first game, because of that gap in quality.

“Losing 7-0 didn't flatter Barcelona. I was doing the game.

“That could happen to anyone, not just Celtic. Barcelona on a good night, with that front three they have, can score seven against anyone.

“But right now Scottish football is way off the pace in terms of the special clubs in Europe.

“You would have to say that going into [the Manchester City] game on the back of being beaten 7-0 and playing against a team whose tail is firmly up and playing with a great deal of confidence, it could be another difficult night.

“On the flip side of that, going to Parkhead is never any easy game. I found that. It is a difficult place to play.

“The crowd get behind them and they could catch City on a bad night. But if you are asking me I think it could be another difficult night for Celtic.

"You can never say never (that Scotland won’t be able to bridge the gap). You don't know what will happen with restructuring, whatever.

“But right now we are a long way off, I would say as far off as we have ever been."