Edu's late goal valuable for Scotland

United States midfielder Maurice Edu's late goal has earned Scotland an extra spot in next year's Champions League.

Edu's stoppage-time goal for Rangers against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday clinched a 2-2 draw and ensured the Scottish champions reached the round of 16 in the Europa League on away goals.

It also lifted Scotland above Switzerland into 15th place in the UEFA rankings, which grade countries on their clubs' performance over a five-year period.

Swiss clubs Young Boys and FC Basel were eliminated.

The 15th-ranked country enters its champion and runner-up in Champions League qualifying. The 16th-ranked nation only enters its champion.

This year's ranking decides entries for the 2012-13 season.