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SPFL bosses are facing the nightmare scenario that Kilmarnock and Ross County could carve up their final fixture to ensure Motherwell are plunged into the Premiership play-off.

Currently the Steelmen trail Killie and County by three points with two matches to play in the battle to avoid 11th place.

But if the points difference remains the same for the last day on Saturday, May 23 then it's a real problem for chief executive Neil Doncaster and his team.

Gary Locke’s side host the Staggies and any kind of draw would guarantee that both sides will finish above the Steelmen.

It’s the last thing the SPFL wants after a series of fixture scheduling issues.

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Former Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands has been involved in two similar situations and he can understand if Kilmarnock and Ross County ensure that neither side wins.

He played at Easter Road 10 years ago on Helicopter Sunday when Rangers were leading Hibs 1-0 waiting for news of Celtic’s game at Motherwell and the match developed into a farce as it was a result that suited both sides.

The Ibrox side incredibly became champions when Scott McDonald scored two late goals to beat Celtic and Hibs were in Europe, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference.

Watch the Daily Record Football Show as our top team look at the play-offs..

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The Dane said: “I would assume Kilmarnock and Ross County would start the match trying to win it.

“But if it comes to the middle of the second half and they are still goalless then you could understand why both sides would be cautious.

“It’s not a great scenario for the SPFL but sometimes these things happen in football.

“Back in 2005 I was involved in the same type of scenario when we were one up against Hibs which gave us a chance of the championship and ensured they were in Europe.

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“We were just knocking the ball about at the back and they were happy to let us do it.”

Lovenkrands was also involved in a remarkable derby with local rivals Sweden at Euro 2004 when the 2-2 result between the two sides eliminated Italy from the tournament.

He said: “I was on the bench that night in Porto and it was amazing that the game finished 2-2.

“It suited Denmark and Sweden perfectly but Italy were not very happy. In fact they were fuming.”