Celtic fixture reshuffle removes Rangers opportunity as title rivals stay on track for derby date

Celtic's clash with St Mirren has been rearranged due to the Premier Sports Cup Final.

And the December 22 date allays fan concerns their side were set to enter a huge clash with Rangers a game behind their city rivals.

Ange Postecoglou and Gio van Bronckhorst are set to collide for the first time on January 2 in what could be a pivotal afternoon in the Premiership title race.

(SNS Group)

Rangers currently top the table by four points and a postponement of Celtic's visit to Paisley until the New Year could have given the reigning champions the chance to put more on the board ahead of the derby at Parkhead.

Celtic will now take on Jim Goodwin's side just a few days after facing Hibs in the Hampden showpiece on December 19, further packing what is already a congested period.

Hibs, too, have had a league fixture rearranged to accommodate the final.

Jack Ross' team - who dispatched Rangers in Sunday's semi-final - will now play Aberdeen on December 22, instead of December 18.

The rearranged fixtures were confirmed by the SPFL on Monday afternoon.