Celtic have criticised Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond following his comments that the SPL outfit "need" Rangers.

The politician responded to the financial crisis surrounding the Gers, which forced them into administration this week.

Salmond said: "The most die-hard Celtic supporter understands that Celtic can't prosper unless Rangers are there. The rest of the clubs understand that as well. Therefore you have to have cognisance of these things when you're pursuing public policy."

Following the minister's remarks, Rangers' fiercest rivals have accused Salmond of using the situation for "political reasons".

"We are very disappointed with the First Minister's claims that Celtic 'need' Rangers and that Celtic 'can't prosper' unless Rangers are there," Celtic said in a statement. "This is simply not true.

"In a series of interviews given just three days ago, we made it abundantly clear that Celtic has a well-defined strategy and a business plan independent of the fortunes of any other club. That remains absolutely the case.

"The predicament of Rangers is clearly a serious and complex matter with a whole range of possible outcomes. However, we are extremely well qualified to make our own position clear and have no wish to see that being misrepresented for political reasons."

Meanwhile, Gers owner Craig Whyte has claimed that the Rangers players will be paid this month.