The SPFL has saved Neil Lennon some selection issues by approving a move to name nine substitutes of which five can play.
Previously it was three from seven with the changes allowing the Celtic boss to make greater use of his squad.
With one keeper certain to be named on the bench five out of eight outfield subs can be used starting with Sunday’s match at home to Hamilton Accies.
The SPFL announced:
The written resolution to approve the use of up to five substitutes in Scottish Premiership matches for the 2020/21 season has been approved by Premiership clubs. This means the new rule will take effect for the opening set of fixtures this weekend.
Under the new rules, clubs will be able to name a bench of up to nine players but, in making their five subs, can only halt play on three separate occasions during the course of the match. The change, recommended to clubs by the SPFL Board on Friday, is a temporary alteration for the 2020/21 season and is designed to help clubs deal with a more congested than usual fixture calendar which may see reduced recovery time for players.
After the opening match Celtic face three matches in seven days- against Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Aberdeen- ahead of the first round of Champions League qualifying.
During the early pre-season matches Lennon made 10 or 11 substitutions after the hour mark with the hoops boss able to put out two very strong XIs.
Based on the side that started against Ross County on Sunday Lennon will be able to have additional fire power in the shape of Patryk Klimala, Leigh Griffiths, Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham to come on.
The two additional places should also ensure that players such as Stephen Welsh and Karamoko Dembele stay fully involved in the first team scene.
