Hibernian manager Bobby Williamson has called the Premier League's winter shutdown into question and suggested the break only serves to aid the Old Firm.

The January recess was introduced four years ago to prevent play in the worst of the weather and to give players and pitches a mid-term rest.

However, Williamson, who has guided Hibs to fifth spot in the table after a disastrous start to the league campaign, has his doubts over the merits of the footballing hiatus.

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, Williamson said: "I was for the shutdown initially, but looking at it now it was only really brought in to give succour to Rangers and Celtic.

"Those two clubs have a hefty fixture load with their European commitments and I think the break is certainly beneficial to them.

I think the idea of having the shutdown is something which might need to be addressed Bobby Williamson Hibs manager

"As for the rest of us, I'm not so sure. If you're going to have a shutdown then three weeks isn't long enough in terms of both resting players and avoiding the worst of the weather.

"In saying that, having a longer break would mean restructuring the whole of our game and that would bring its own problems.

"Our pitches are not ideal for playing in winter, but I think the same could be said for the summer - particularly the surfaces we train on which can become hard and rutted when the weather is hot.

"Players could then end up going over and injuring ankles which is something we can do without.

"To be truthful, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place here because whatever we do isn't ideal.

"I'm not having a go at anyone here but I think the idea of having the shutdown is something which might need to be addressed.

"I'm sure we'll all sit down and have another look at the situation.

"I think we should perhaps be looking more to try and spread the fixtures out, rather than cram them all in to December just so we can have a short break in January."