NEIL LENNON expects the SPFL will try to push the Old Firm derbies into the second half of the season to improve the chances of them being played in front of supporters.

The governing body is set to announce next season’s fixtures before the end of the month as it works towards the Premiership returning in August.

The expectation is that matches will be played behind closed doors for a period as a result of coronavirus guidelines on social distancing.

Ordinarily that would mean at least one Glasgow derby taking place inside an empty stadium but Lennon believes the SPFL will try to avoid that scenario if possible.

“I think [pushing back the first derby] is what everyone would want,” said the Celtic manager. “Everyone associated with the game would want that, the clubs would want that and I’m sure the TV companies would want that as well.

“I do think the authorities will look at it and try to push it back. It’ll give us more of a chance of getting the punters back.

“We’re all hoping [playing behind closed doors] will be a short-term thing. It’s difficult times for clubs in Scotland.

“We need our fans and the virtual season ticket will give them an opportunity to see the games even if they can’t be there which I think is brilliant from the club. It’s not ideal but we are not in an ideal environment.

“We know what football means to so many people in this country. We have a fantastic product here for the size of the country and it’s important we protect it and get it up and running as best we can.

“Hopefully in the not-too-distant future we will have supporters and players back in unison again in the same stadiums with the same atmosphere. But maybe as a short-term fix behind closed doors is something me and the players will have to adapt to.”

Lennon has been tuning in to German football to see what he might expect when Scottish football returns with no fans.

“I watched Bayern Munich-Borussia Dortmund and some of the other Bundesliga games,” he added. “The actual quality of football was brilliant.

“But obviously it was surreal watching it without supporters. The Bundesliga have led the way through this difficult time and they seem to be coping pretty well with it.

“We have to look at that and say it’s doable, it’s feasible. But for the sake of the game - and I’m sure it’s the same in Germany and all the other countries - we want the public back in when it’s safe.”