CELTIC have expressed the hope that Scottish football won't be left behind as grounds across Europe re-open to supporters.

Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell has insisted that "pilot" games involving spectators - which could be held across the United Kingdom from next month - can be safely adopted in Scotland

Lawwell, whose club will get their bid to win 10-In-A-Row underway next month, revealed that discussions have been held with Holyrood over the phased return of fans. 

He was speaking after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the British government were working towards crowds returning at some test events, including at sports stadia, as part of the recovery road map. 

"We have discussed the idea of 'pilot' games with the Scottish government and believe it provides a safe, sensible way forward," said Lawwell.

"As a club, we have put enormous thought and effort into making Celtic Park fully compliant with all public health-related requirements while allowing our supporters to return to watching football.

"It is acknowledged that Scottish football has been exemplary in implementing all the safeguards required of it, first to get back into training and, from August 1st, to playing competitive SPFL matches.

"We are convinced that this should now be accompanied by a phased return of spectators which would be good, not only for the game of football but also for public health and morale in Scotland more generally.

"Scottish clubs are much more dependent on matchday revenues than other, larger leagues. That factor should be taken account of, so long as the public health obligations are met, to which we are entirely committed.

"We also have an obligation to our own supporters to make the case for them to be allowed to watch live football, particularly when they can see the steady progress towards this in other European leagues.

"Alongside other sporting bodies, Celtic will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the Scottish government and look forward to early progress."