It’s been presented as a fait accompli but when it comes to whoever wins the Scottish Premiership accessing the Champions League group stages next season, the truth is - worryingly - a little more complex. 

While it’s highly likely a title win would see the Ibrox club gain access to the guaranteed £40m financial turbo-charge that comes with qualification, contrary to publicly accepted wisdom, it’s NOT actually guaranteed. 

That’s because Scotland sit 11th in the coefficient rankings and only the top ten leagues are entitled to a place without traversing qualifiers. 

However don't panic, because the 11th placed league does get a slot if the winner of the trophy also qualifies through their league. 

READ MORE: Aston Villa interest puts Steven Gerrard in a Rangers legacy-defining moment amid Brendan Rodgers similarity

For example, if Liverpool win the trophy this season and come first to fourth in the Premier League, everything is rosy in the garden. 

The nightmare scenario would only come if a team like the Anfield outfit were to lift the famous old trophy but finish outside of the top four. 

This isn’t an unprecedented situation, but it is quite rare. 

Chelsea were the last team to do so when they lifted the trophy by defeating Bayern Munich in 2012.

If this situation were to occur it would mean a nerve-shredding two-legged play-off for a place in the Champions League proper and the potential for what appeared to be a huge financial boost to evaporate in the cruellest of ways.