THE Old Firm cup clash should be played ­midweek, police insiders insisted today.

Some senior officers want to see the League Cup semi-final scheduled as early in the week as possible in a bid to curb the alcohol-fuelled violence that blights the fixture.

Insiders believe the move would reduce football-related violence, particularly domestic abuse.

One possibility is a midweek Hampden fixture either in the last week of January or the first week of February.

It will be the first clash ­between fierce city rivals Celtic and Rangers since Sunday, April 29, 2012.

A police insider said: "In an ideal world, the match would be played on a midweek evening, preferably Monday, which is usually the city's quietest night of the week.

"This would cut down on the amount of time people have to pre-load on alcohol."

However, another source close to the security operation, said: "We will try and influence the kick-off time, and push for a 12.45pm game.

"But I can't see the match being moved to midweek."

The SPFL will meet clubs, police and representatives of potential venues this week in an attempt to thrash out the schedule for the League Cup semi-finals.

As reported by the Evening Times, the situation is complicated further by the BBC, which has the rights to screen one of the games live, and an option on the other.

In the past, the broadcaster has not been keen to screen both semi-finals on back-to-back days.

An announcement is expected on fixtures dates within the next week.

The last time the sides met the Hoops won 3-0, with goals from Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper.

Celtic went on to win the title that season while Rangers crashed into financial despair.

Since then, the troubled Ibrox club have spent the following three years battling through the divisions from the bottom tier.

McCoist's side now face the ultimate test against three-in-a-row league champions Celtic.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "As is the case with any high profile football event, Police Scotland is working closely with the clubs and the relevant agencies with regard to the date and kick-off time of the game."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk