McGeady was a star performer for Celtic last season

Aiden McGeady has said Celtic's chances of winning a fourth SPL title could be helped by Rangers' involvement in Champions League qualifiers.

The Ibrox club have two qualifying rounds before they reach the Champions League group stages, whereas Celtic go straight through as the SPL winners.

McGeady told the Celtic View: "It might also help us with the league.

"We know that we only have one game a week until the Champions League starts, so that should be a bit better for us."

McGeady recently signed a five-year contract with the Scottish champions, improving on the four-and-a-half-year extension agreed with the Republic of Ireland international in February 2007.

The 22-year-old winger was awarded the SPFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in April, only the second player ever to receive both awards in the same season.

He played an influential role in Gordon Strachan's side, achieving three successive SPL titles, and now wants to add a fourth, believing that it would cement his place in the annals of Scottish football.

"This could be a historic season if everything goes well," said McGeady.

To be part of a Celtic team to win three titles in succession was incredible. Aiden McGeady

"Every season at Celtic is massive but the last few years have been special.

"To be part of a Celtic team to win three titles in succession was incredible.

"This season, the title takes on even more significance because we are all determined to do everything we can to make it four."