Chris Sutton has defended criticism from Robbie Savage about Celtic's place in the Champions League by drawing comparisons between Scottish football and the scope of teams like Manchester United.

During a debate on BBC 606 (as reported by CeltsAreHere), the former Blackburn Rovers man and perennially outspoken pundit questioned Celtic's record in European football following last week's 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Savage addressed Sutton, saying: “Celtic in Europe, what goes around? They have lost heavily to [Barcelona], they have lost heavily to Dortmund, they do lose heavily to the top teams in European football, but you can't get [beaten by] seven.

"TNS went to Fiorentina and only lost two."

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Sutton replied by comparing the financial bandwidth the likes of Celtic and Rangers have in order to compete at the highest level of club football, underlining how it pales in comparison to the most financially-backed teams.

He said: "It’s an easy attack, isn’t it, on Scottish football. Why don’t you attack Manchester United, Rob?

"Six hundred million. Just imagine if Celtic and Rangers could spend six hundred million on players in three years and put in insipid performances. I’m just saying Scottish teams don’t have the spending power.

"You’re using one game. I noticed you didn’t say anything about Celtic when they won the first game. Why didn’t you judge Celtic and Rangers after eight games?"