SFA put Scotland in jeopardy as they strike secret deal to bail out fiasco at Ibrox

The SFA are set to jeopardise the Scotland international squad by allowing at least three matches to be played at Hampden before the Nations Cup tie against Poland on September 5.

A new pitch is currently being grown at the National Stadium which was expected to be ready in the fortnight before Steve Clarke gets his squad together for that match.

Unusual weather patterns have been factored into the pitch plan but that is now set to be thrown out with a new pitch laid to bail out the blundering Ibrox board who have left themselves homeless.

Phil Clement’s side have home matches to play in the SPFL on August 10 and 14, a Champions League home tie on August 6/7 or 13/14, a possible League Cup tie and a potential Champions League Play Off on August 20/21 or 27/28.

Whether it is three matches or five matches on a new ‘lay and play’ pitch in August it is far from ideal for Clarke and his squad but as the events of over 100 years have shown the purpose of the SFA is to accommodate clubs from Ibrox at every opportunity.

Queens Park had their fixtures switched to the City Stadium to allow the new pitch to settle but when it comes to another Glasgow club the SFA shirt the goalposts.

This summer that support is needed more than ever, late on Wednesday night the on-message Rangers Review revealed the plan:

The Ibrox board have been in discussions with the Scottish Football Association in recent weeks after revealing that renovation works in the Copland Stand have hit lengthy delays.

The Rangers Review understands that talks are now at an advanced stage as chairman John Bennett looks to close a deal in the coming days. It is expected that Bennett will also address the support in a statement to offer clarity on the situation.

The agreement will see Philippe Clement’s side play at the National Stadium in the opening weeks of the season. Rangers kick-off their Premiership title bid with a trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle and have home fixtures with Motherwell and Ross County before the first Old Firm showdown of the term at Parkhead. Rangers will also have at least one Champions League qualifier to play and could face a home tie in the League Cup.

A potential switch to Murrayfield had also been discussed amongst Bennett and his board since the bombshell news four weeks ago that Ibrox would be unable to host matches for the foreseeable future. The prospect of playing in front of three stands at home was on the table.

But it is now understood that Clement’s side will head across the city as they look to get their season off to a positive start. It is expected that the switch will be confirmed in due course as supporters are finally given clarity on where they will be watching their side in action.

As even Ibrox fans realise their iconic stadium will be out of bounds way beyond August with December the most realistic return date as building work continues at a snails pace.

The backing of the SFA for Bennett and his board can be assured with Ian Maxwell in charge at Hampden.

The medium term hire should be a real boost for the finances of the SFA but the rental details are unlikely to emerge with Hampden likely to be decked out in red, white and blue well into the season with no chance of the hospitality takings ending up with the SFA to be reinvested in the grass roots of the game.

Ibrox fans won’t be happy when the details emerge with very few of the seats at Hampden comparable with those across the city. Many fans paying premium prices for Season Tickets will find themselves stuck behind the goals with low level views 20 yards and more back from the goal-line.

CLICK HERE for Ibrox messenger lets slip over December re-opening.

CLICK HERE for Ibrox closure announcement.