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Celtic are against the proposal of postponing games before Scotland’s bid to make Euro 2020.

National coach Steve Clarke is keen for the Premiership to have a breather and that no matches be played on the weekend before the Thursday, March 26 clash against Israel.

The Scotland gaffer believes additional rest and preparation time would be of benefit to members of his squad and SFA chiefs have been in dialogue with the SPFL over proposals.

However, MailSport understands the Parkhead outfit are not in favour of the idea due to the potential of a horrendous fixture log-jam.

Celtic, who could have James Forrest, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Greg Taylor all involved against the Israelis, are believed to harbour concerns over more games piling up through an already-congested programme.

(Image: SNS Group)

Neil Lennon’s side are currently due to play every single midweek after the season resumes next weekend until the start of March.

Should they defeat FC Copenhagen in the last 32 of the Europa League, that will extend for two further midweeks to take them right up until the Scotland game against the Israelis and also push back their game against St Johnstone to Sunday, March 22.

More progress on the European front would take them deep into April beyond the top-flight split dates in the competition.

In addition, the prospect of Scottish Cup replays is also in the mix to add to the hefty burden.

They could mean postponements for midweek fixtures already pencilled into the crammed schedule and make it necessary to find new slots later in the term.

Initially, when the subject was first mooted two months ago, boss Lennon stated a view that Clarke should get what he wants with the national team a priority.

(Image: SNS Group)

However, due to the high volume of matches and scheduling issues, the position of his club now seems clear cut.

Asked for his views on the subject at Celtic’s training base in Dubai, Lennon gave a latest as he said: “Our opinion is it wouldn’t suit us. It wouldn’t be ideal for us, put it that way.”

Celtic are unhappy with the SFA disciplinary process following the decision to find Ryan Christie guilty of violent conduct six days ago.

But MailSport understands this is a completely separate issue and the champions’ views over the proposed match postponements for Scotland’s play-offs were clarified long before that situation arose.

Clarke’s opponents in the Hampden semi-final Israel have found an agreement with league chiefs to postpone their matches prior to the play-off.