Celtic and Hearts told Asian Cup rules over postponements as SPFL point to scenario no one wants

Celtic and Hearts face losing several Far East stars when they’re called up for the Asian Cup.

The event – in January and February in Qatar – could mean Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Kyogo and Oh Hyeon-gyu miss crucial league and cup games and potentially the knockout stages of the Champions League if Celtic progress. The competition should have been held in China last summer but was cancelled due to Covid. It will now take place between January 12 and February 10 in Qatar.

Brendan Rodgers' men face a Scottish Cup fourth-round tie on January 20 plus a league fixture at home to Ross County and tricky visits to Aberdeen and Hibs (February 3 and 7). The first leg in the round of 16 in the Champions League is three days after the final in the Middle East, which would almost certainly rule out any Celts who took part in it. The first leg of Europa League play-offs is also held on February 15.

Celtic are going for glory once more as they embark on a new era.

Brendan Rodgers is back as manager as the Treble winners target another season of domination in Scotland and a shot at glory in the Champions League. Brendan’s Bhoys will be rubbing shoulders with the best in Europe and leading the way in Scotland as they try to win a third successive championship. And the Daily Record have produced a stunning new souvenir guide to Celtic ’s season packed with unmissable features and analysis.

This unmissable guide is bursting with info for the campaign to come including exclusive columns from Chris Sutton and Keith Jackson, fabulous features on hero hitman Kyogo, talismanic skipper Callum McGregor and returning boss Rodgers. Plus there’s a review of last season’s magnificent Treble with key goals, greatest games, a club-by-club guide