WORK has started to create standing areas for fans at Celtic Park.

The rail seating will allow them to sit down or to flip the seats up allowing them space to stand.

It will be the first time in more than 20 years that supporters will be able to stand in specially designated areas.

The move has been welcomed by Paul Brennan who is behind the blog Celtic Quick News.

He said: “I think this is absolutely fantastic and it has been established the standing areas are safe.

“At a game, football fans will stand to celebrate a goal and in seated areas that is by definition less safe and considerably less safe than in standing areas.

“The big thing is we need to give people choice. Lots of people want to sit throughout the game but many prefer standing.

“When you go to a football match you tend to be outdoors for two and a half hours and it is freezing cold but if you can stand you can get the blood circulating so it is easier to stay warm.”

Mr Brennan said the last time Celtic fans were able to stand in the terraces at their home ground was in 1994 and he believes the new arrangement will prove very popular.

He said: “There is to be over 2000 of the new seats and I am sure they will be over-subscribed. I have no doubt the standing areas will be full.”

The city council gave Celtic the go-ahead to introduce the new rail seating last year.

At the time, club chief executive Peter Lawwell described the new areas as an investment in spectator safety.

He said: “Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches.

“Celtic’s primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters and this new system will allow fans to stand safely at matches.”

Mr Lawwell said rail seating has been in place in European football for some time and there had been considerable demand for some form of safe standing within the UK.

Safety and security expert Dr Steve Frosdick was closely involved in Celtic’s plans.

He said when the scheme got the go-ahead: “For the first time in the UK football fans will be able to stand to watch the game from purpose-built accommodation which is demonstrably safe.

“Although standing up throughout the match has become increasingly common, persistent standing between rows of seats has been a concern for football clubs and the authorities.

“Clearly the club was keen to find a better way of safely accommodating those fans who wanted to stand.”