Celtic look set to play Rangers in the first Old Firm clash of the season in October - despite Neil Lennon's pleas to wait until fans are allowed back inside stadiums to host the derby.

It is believed Premiership fixtures will be released for the upcoming season next Friday and derby day has been selected for an October afternoon.

Hoops boss Lennon and Callum McGregor both hinted that they would prefer to play the rivalry out in front of 60,000 supporters inside Celtic Park and 50,000 fans within Ibrox but now it appears that will not be the case. Instead it looks like the first match will be played behind closed doors.

The Scottish Sun claim Sky Sports will want - as part of their TV deal with the SPFL - the game being played no later than October. This comes despite recent news from the governing body that they hope to be given permission by the Scottish government to possibly get some fans inside grounds from as early as July 23.

Celtic's next fixture before lockdown and, ultimately shutdown, was due to be at Ibrox against Rangers.