Joe Ledley hopes Euro schedule hampers Rangers

JOE LEDLEY is hoping Rangers' European exertions can help Celtic take the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title back from Ibrox.

The Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League and the Europa League in the qualifying stages and the one possible benefit is that they will have at least six free midweeks when their Old Firm rivals, who have a much smaller squad, are playing in the Champions League.

Rangers' busy schedule started with a hard-fought goalless draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday before returning to league duty against Dundee United at Ibrox today.

Asked if the Light Blues' fixture list could have a positive impact on Celtic's quest to win the SPL title, the former Cardiff City player, looking to making it five league wins in succession at Kilmarnock on Sunday, said: "Obviously they will be playing Tuesday or Wednesday then a game on a Saturday or Sunday. Maybe it will be to our advantage but we will find in a couple of weeks or maybe longer.

"But we are doing well at the moment, we are creating chances and scoring goals so we will keep concentrating on ourselves and you never know what will happen."

Ledley signed a four-year contract in the summer following his exit from Cardiff and is enjoying his time at Celtic Park, especially after moving from left back in to his favourite position in midfield.

He said: "I have been playing in the middle in the last couple of games and I think I've done really well.

"There are a lot of players fighting for places in the team and it's great to have that, it keeps players on their toes."