The SPFL has confirmed Celtic will go ahead with their Premiership game against Livingston on Saturday, August 23, even though they had the option to move it under new rules designed to help Scottish sides in Europe.

The policy, introduced earlier this year, allows clubs involved in UEFA play-off ties to postpone their league match that falls between the two legs.

Rangers, Hibs and Aberdeen have all taken that option, giving themselves a free week to prepare for vital European games. Celtic, however, have decided to stick to their original plan.

The champions will take on either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-offs, with the first leg on August 20 and the second leg on August 26. Despite the tight schedule, Brendan Rodgers’ men will still play Livingston at 3pm on the Saturday in between.

It’s a different approach from their rivals. Rangers will move their match against St Mirren if they progress past Viktoria Plzen. Hibs will do the same with their trip to Falkirk if they reach the Conference League play-off. Aberdeen’s clash with Dundee United has already been postponed as they prepare for the Europa League.

The SPFL said: “Following discussions with Celtic, their home match versus Livingston remains scheduled for 3.00pm on Saturday August 23.” Any postponed games will be rescheduled once UEFA releases the league phase fixtures at the end of August.

By keeping the date, Celtic will continue their league campaign without a break while also fighting for a place in the Champions League. It means fans will get a big game at Parkhead right in the middle of a huge European tie.

Rodgers will have to rotate his squad carefully during this spell, with three major games in just over a week. But the decision shows Celtic are ready to take on both domestic and European challenges without asking for changes to the fixture list.