KENNY DALGLISH believes that a 14-10-10-10 set-up would be the ideal solution ahead of tomorrow's league reconstruction talks - but the former Celtic and Liverpool forward reckons Hearts should have to face Dundee in a play-off to fight for their Premiership status.
Under Tynecastle chair Ann Budge's proposal, Inverness would join Dundee United in gaining promotion to the top flight with Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer avoiding relegation.
Writing in his column in the Sunday Post, Dalglish agreed that the top two sides from each division should be promoted but argued that Hearts should have to play the Championship's third-placed side in a one-off tie with a place in the Premiership at stake.
He wrote: "The reconstruction has been driven by Hearts owner, Ann Budge, and there is clear, and understandable, self-interest involved, given the position her club finds itself in.
"I don’t think, however, that increasing the size of the Premiership to 14 teams should guarantee that the Jambos avoid relegation.
"My suggestion is that Hearts should play Dundee, who finished third in the Championship, in a play-off match. A one-off game at a neutral venue.
"Surely, such an important decision should be decided on a football pitch and not round a negotiating table?
"Remember, Hearts finished bottom of the league. So why should they be given special treatment this season?"
Dalglish continued: "I know Hearts is a big football club. They have a brilliant stadium at Tynecastle, one of the most atmospheric in the country when it is full, and they have a great tradition.
"In an ideal world, you would have them in the top flight all day long.
"But they have finished bottom of the league. There has to be a penalty for that.
"Playing Dundee would give them that one last chance to show they are worthy of being in the top flight."
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