Soccer:Celtic released a terse response to suggestions from Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond that the club needs Rangers if it is to "prosper".

Rangers entered administration this week over an tax bill of €10.75 million, accrued since owner Craig Whyte's takeover in May, but some have claimed the club is too big to fail.

Salmond went a step further today, saying Rangers was part of the “fabric of the country” and Revenue and Customs must remain aware of this when pursuing its case against the Glasgow club.

With regards to their fierce local rivals, Salmond added: "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.”

Celtic, however, insisted this afternoon their future is not reliant any other club.

“We are very disappointed with the First Minister’s claims that Celtic ‘need’ Rangers and that Celtic 'can't prosper unless Rangers are there'," a statement read. "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 this being misrepresented for political reasons.”

Salmond, however, is not alone in voicing political support for Rangers, who were docked 10 points for entering administration and could also face action in a "big tax case" regarding a deficit of €90 million racked up prior to Whyte’s arrival.

Speaking about their predicament during a visit to Scotland, English Prime Minister David Cameron told the BBC: "I want that club to survive and to thrive. It has an extraordinary history. It has a very special place in many people's hearts in Scotland and no-one wants to see that club disappear.

"So I hope that HMRC will work as closely as they can with the administrators to try to solve the problems, to try to resolve the issues."