Uefa is set to revamp the Champions League on Friday with the top
three clubs in the Premier League qualifying for the group stages
from 2009.
Under the plans, the fourth-placed side will now face a play-off
against a team from another of Europe's leagues.
The Scottish champions will also go straight into the group stages
but the runners-up face two qualifying rounds.
Previously in England, the top two sides qualified by right and the
next two joined the third qualifying round.
It is likely the fourth-placed Premier League side will face a
tougher play-off compared to playing in the third qualifying round
of the Champions League against weaker opponents.
In Scotland, the champions have previously needed to come through a
qualifying round.
