Stokes joined Hibernian from Sunderland in the summer

Anthony Stokes says players would be less likely to be attracted to the Scottish Premier League if Celtic and Rangers left for England or elsewhere.

The Hibs striker was joined by manager John Hughes and Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo in saying it would be bad for Scottish football.

"They are the teams that everybody strives to beat and play against," said the striker who joined from Sunderland.

"I think that's a massive ambition for anybody who comes up to Scotland."

Stokes this summer began his second spell in the SPL having spent time on loan with Falkirk from Arsenal.

Once more, the Old Firm are talking up the possibility of joining the Premier League in England, or a North Atlantic League with clubs from Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

"I don't think it would be good for Scottish football," said Stokes. "That's the main reason they should not go.

To run away from the problem is not the best solution Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo

"You have to look at the big picture outside of Hibs. It might be good for us in the long run, and for Hearts, but I think it would take a lot of the atmosphere out of Scottish football."

Kilmarnock striker Danny Invincibile was of a similar opinion.

"When I first came to England 10 years ago, coming from Australia and hearing about Scotland, the two main teams were Celtic and Rangers and whether people like it or not in Scotland, that is the reality," he said.

"That's the way it's been for the last 10 or 15 years, so if they leave, then it would be very detrimental.

"And, if they go to the Premier League and get demoted, then what happens?

"You would have Scotland's two biggest clubs playing in the Championship and the SPL could become more competitive.

"Financially, for both clubs, it would be huge - but, in terms of Scottish football in general, it could end up being devastating."

Killie manager Jefferies wants Celtic and Rangers to remain in Scottish football.

"I like going there and playing against them, but I can understand why they want to go," he said.

"The only good side for us is that we would have a far more competitive league, which should open things up even more.

"The only trouble would be - could we produce enough to keep the profile up in terms of sponsorship and television deals to keep these clubs going? But that would be the challenge."

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo urged the Old Firm to concentrate on making the SPL stronger.

"To run away from the problem is not the best solution," he said.

Hibs manager John Hughes thought it would be detrimental to Scottish football in the long run.

"I can understand why they want to go for the revenue and television money," he said.

"I think, initially, everybody would rise to it and think they would have a chance of winning the SPL, but after a few years I think it would dip again.

"And why just the Old Firm going to England? Why not Hibs and Hearts?

"We're a big club as well, Hibernian. We would fancy our chances of winning the SPL, but we would fancy our chances of competing with the big boys in England too."

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