Celtic players show their delight at the win over Liverpool

The Scottish champions' quarter-final victory over Liverpool lifted Scotland into ninth place, above Turkey, in Uefa's coefficient rankings.

That means that next season's Scottish Premier League champions will go directly into the Champions League proper the following season.

The SPL runners-up next year will enter the competition at the third and final qualifying stage.

Next season, Scotland will have two Champions League representatives, with this year's SPL champions going into the third qualifying round and the second-placed team being entered into the second qualifying round draw.

SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell said: "Scotland's coefficient will continue to rise if Celtic carry on winning in Europe.

"But the ninth place is unlikely to be improved upon this season as the countries immediately ahead of Scotland - Portugal and Holland - also have clubs doing well in Europe.

"However, there is every prospect that another good European performance from Scottish clubs next season could enhance our standing and see us getting more Uefa places."

Scotland will retain the two Uefa Cup places they currently have.