FANS face a post-split fixture race against time after the SPFL accepted the only date Celtic can play their postponed match against Dundee is Wednesday, April 22.

The Dens Park club are currently in seventh spot in the table and heavily embroiled in a battle for a top-six spot.

So the game against Ronny Deila's champions - which was originally scheduled for next Wednesday, a date now being used for the Scottish Cup quarter- final replay between Celtic and Dundee United - has to be played before the split as it could have a bearing on who plays in the top half and who plays in the bottom half for their final five games of the season.

The Round of 33 games will be completed on the weekend of April 11/12.

And, with the decks cleared for Scottish Cup semi-finals the following weekend, that should have allowed the SPFL to draw up their post-split fixture list and leave clubs and fans a fortnight to make their arrangements before the games began.

However, due to their continued involvement in both cup competitions, and with international dates to be factored in, Celtic's schedule has no room for any further fixtures until mid-April.

Their game against Kilmarnock - postponed from January 31 because the Hoops were involved in the League Cup semi-final the following day - has already been re-arranged for Wednesday, April 15.

As Killie could also still be involved in the fight for a top-six spot, this is expected to cause a short delay in announcing the fixtures.

But now, with the Dundee v Celtic date agreed, it could be that the SPFL will not be able to announce their post-split fixtures until late on the evening of April 22 - just three days before the first of these matches is due to be played.