The Premier League has extinguished any hope of Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers joining the English game by insisting that a proposal put to them was rejected as neither 'desirable or viable'.

The idea of Scotland's two biggest clubs joining a new-look English structure has been examined and discussed the length and breadth of the country for some time now as they continue to struggle financially in the SPL.

The proposal of a two-tier Premier League including the Glasgow giants was put forward by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside at a meeting of the 20 clubs' chairmen on Thursday.

Several managers, such as Alex McLeish, Martin O'Neill, David Moyes and Harry Redknapp, had voiced their support for the idea over the past week or so, insisting the move would be 'good for the game'.

However, the Premier League have now confirmed that Celtic and Rangers will not be invited to leave the SPL, saying in a statement: "Bolton Wanderers submitted a discussion paper detailing ideas concerning the restructuring of the Premier League into two tiers with the inclusion of Celtic and Rangers.

"The clubs welcomed the additional input into an ongoing process, however, they were of the opinion that bringing Celtic and Rangers into any form of Premier League set-up was not desirable or viable.

"The other relevant ideas contained within Bolton's paper will now be taken forward as part of the wider strategic review being undertaken by the Premier League since November 2008 with the aim of providing recommendations before December 2010."

The news will come as a huge blow to both Celtic and Rangers, who have made no secret of their desire to move down south as they struggle to compete financially with their illustrious English cohorts.

Tell us your view at ExtraFootie. Do you think the Premier League are right to reject the Old Firm? Or do you believe Celtic and Rangers should be given the chance to play south of the border?