Beattie: Rangers could hold their own in English Premier League

(GETTY IMAGES)

James Beattie has played just a handful of games for Rangers so far but he insists he has been there long enough to be convinced of their ability to hold their own in the Barclays Premier League.

The prospect of the Old Firm joining English football's top flight is one which is often debated and is favoured by both Rangers and Celtic.

And, having witnessed some credible performances in the Champions League this season, including a goalless draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Beattie claims the one thing that is not in doubt is Rangers' ability to match the best in the Premier League.

He said: "A lot of people ask me about the standard of football between the Premier League and the SPL and us maybe joining the Premier League.

"I think we have shown that we could hold our own and do very well down there. That's something for the powers that be but I'm sure we could acquit ourselves very well."

Lack of match sharpness, combined with a spell injured on the sidelines, means Beattie has featured in just eight matches since his summer switch from Stoke.

But, despite his lack of game-time, the striker says he is loving life with the Scottish champions.

He told Blues News: "The club is huge, it's immensely well-supported.

"It's one of those clubs where you can't go anywhere without meeting a Rangers fan and I don't just mean in Scotland or England.

"The lads have told me stories about when they have been on holiday in the summer and they've been walking down the street in Bermuda and someone has tapped them on the shoulder who has a Rangers shirt on.

"The club is worldwide and massively followed and it's great to be a part of that."

Meanwhile, Steven Naismith admits the players are growing increasingly frustrated by their lack of football over the festive period.

But he has no fears about Rangers' ability to cope with a potential fixture backlog in the New Year.

Last night's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Dundee United was postponed for a second time due to adverse weather conditions, after water damage at Ibrox forced the weekend match against St Mirren to be called off.

That means Rangers have had just one domestic fixture - the 1-1 draw at Inverness - in the last month, as they prepare to travel to Motherwell on Boxing Day.

Naismith said: "The stop-start to your week isn't the best preparation. We just really want the games to be back on, it's been a bit disappointing that they've been off.

"The thing a player likes best is a routine and knowing your full week. It's quite distracting when games are called off days before and training is changing.

"The uncertainty is definitely frustrating for the players."

But, despite Europa League games against Sporting Lisbon coming up, Naismith is not concerned by the prospect of a packed period.

He added: "In the first part of the season we liked having the games midweek and at the weekends.

"It keeps you ticking over, you get into a rhythm of playing and we went on a good run. So hopefully we can pick that back up and keep that going towards the end of the season.

"Ask any player and they will tell you they would rather play games than train. Although the games are mounting up, we will be happy if we keep playing and getting good results."