The SFA are set to announce provisional dates in December to complete the 2019/20 Scottish Cup.
Seven dates will be wasted on international fixtures between September 4 and November 18 leaving little scope to complete fixtures that are more important to fans that buy season tickets and the clubs that train and pay players for the international squad.
Celtic have got six SPFL fixtures scheduled for December but could also be involved in two European matches and a Betfred Cup tie while the SFA attempt to sign off last season’s Scottish Cup.
The Daily Record reports:
Celtic could be faced with a run of festive fixture chaos if the SFA rubber-stamp plans to complete last season’s Scottish Cup before the end of the year.
Record Sport understands the governing body has drawn up provisional dates to squeeze the two outstanding semi-finals as well as the traditional end of season showpiece into an already packed December schedule.
And that could leave the defending champions having to cram as many as ten games – including two potential European ties – into a punishing four week stretch ahead of a January 2 Old Firm showdown at Ibrox.
It’s expected the SFA will confirm the plan to play last season’s Covid-19 interrupted competition to a finish at Tuesday’s AGM – with Neil Lennon’s side facing a last four showdown against Aberdeen and Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibs up against each other for a place in the final.
Celtic are due to face Aberdeen with Hearts and Hibs playing in the other semi-final with a fortnight required before a final can be played.
With no winter break this season there will be no let up in the fixtures with the semi-finals and final of the Betfred Cup to be played in January and February as the 2020/21 Scottish Cup gets underway.
Due to the international fixtures Celtic have three SPFL fixtures in September, four in October and just two in November.