Scott Brown believes that the Scottish Premier League will remain competitive, despite Rangers' application to the league being rejected.

Instead of the league becoming a one-horse race, Brown insists that other teams will become competitive and challenge Celtic for the title.

"It will be a little bit different, but at the end of the day we still have to go out there and play every game," he told Celtic's official website.

"I think Dundee United could emerge as the main contenders. Hearts have released a lot of their players and Dundee United will take a lot of confidence from that.

"St Johnstone have pretty much the same squad just now as they did last season so I think they will be another strong force."

Only Rangers and Celtic have ever won the SPL.