Clarets chairman Barry Kilby has given a cautious welcome to the idea of Rangers and Celtic joining the first division but he stressed: "I don't think there is a prayer that it will happen next season."

A season of long journeys for Clarets fans is guaranteed but it looks certain they won't have to head for Glasgow after the Football League rubbished reports that the Glasgow giants are about to join the first division.

Many people within the game have dismissed the idea as nonsense but Kilby explained: "Personally, as long as it is done properly, I don't think it would be a bad thing.

"It will give some spice to the division and we need a lift at the moment as we are looking to negotiate a new television deal."

There is no doubt that the prospect of Celtic and Rangers having a crack at English football would give the League a stronger hand in searching a replacement for the doomed ITV Digital channel.

"There will be a lot of debate over the rights and the wrongs of them coming in to the League at our level but they would not be a bad addition," continued Kilby.

"There are practical problems but it is not something that should be shut off without serious discussion and investigation.

"Let's face it, if Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham can all play in the English League why can't Celtic and Rangers.

"There is still a long, long way to go and if it is ever to happen it has to be sorted before the previous season. You can't be in a position where you stop people being promoted after they have thought there way through all season.

"Every team has to know the situation before the start of the season and it will not be an easy one to sort out."

Kilby will be at the Football League meeting on Friday where the issue of the television deal will be top of the agenda but the prospect of Celtic and Rangers joining forces is sure to be discussed given the recent speculation.