Rangers, Hibs and Hearts urge Euro schedule changes to help clubs

Rangers manager Michael Beale has been joined by Hibernian's Lee Johnston and Steven Naismith of Hearts in calling for help for clubs playing in Europe.

Rangers face PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League play-off and the Dutch club have had their domestic fixture postponed ahead of the second leg.

Aberdeen are in the Europa League, while Hibs face Aston Villa and Hearts take on PAOK in the Conference League.

Beale recognised scheduling issues probably doesn't help "rectify" it.

"I don't think it is anything to do with the rule makers, but this early part of the season maybe we should look at how we are helping out teams," he added.

"If other countries are doing it, they must have had this debate in years gone past.

• Keep up to date with Rangers

• All you need to know about Hibs

• Everything Hearts right here

"All of us clubs in Europe this first month of the season will play nine games and other teams will play five.

"Okay, it's early in the season, but the European co-efficient and the finance it brings into our league is very important not just for Rangers but for four or five other clubs."

Hibs manager Johnson echoed those sentiments before his side faced Raith Rovers in the Viaplay Cup.

The Easter Road side were in Switzerland until Friday, having played in each of the last four midweeks.

"We have to give clubs the best possible chance ,"he said. "Sometimes it feels like we are at the mercy of TV rights and schedules.

"It's not me throwing the toys out of the pram, I'm looking at the bigger picture. we have to help our home sides."

And Hearts' technical director Naismith said there is "without a doubt" things that could be done to help clubs.

"You go through pre-season, not having played a lot of competitive games, then you have a lot of games crammed into short period of time so there is an element that the impact of Thursday night is on some players."