Scottish Premier League chairman Lex Gold is confident that proposals for a second tier of the SPL will get the go-ahead.

The SPL chairman was speaking a day after tying up a TV deal with Setanta worth £125m over four years.

The deal more than doubles Setanta's current investment in the SPL and could strengthen the case of those First Division clubs seeking a slice of the revenue available to the top 12 clubs in the country.

Dundee, Livingston and St Johnstone were among those previously defeated in trying to set up an SPL2 but the issue is set to return to the agenda once an arbitration panel reports its findings on the proposals.

Gold said: "It does appear some of our colleagues in the Scottish Football League appear to be less keen on it and we are not going to be forcing anything on anyone. The clubs agreed that's the way we will take it forward once we know the outcome of the arbitration panel."

The SPL had two more years on their previous agreement with Setanta and, given the uncertain financial climate, Gold believes the securing of fresh terms is "astounding".

"It's really quite remarkable, against the background," he added.

"It's more than doubling the money for the clubs, our current deal is £54.5million and this is £125 million. The clubs are happy. The deal is astounding.

"All monies brought into the SPL are distributed on the basis of 48% equal share and then the rest is split according to first and 12th in the league.

"What you can take as a simple view here is that each club will double the money they are getting from broadcasting.

"It really is good news, not just for the Scottish Premier League but for the game as a whole.

"Setanta have been superb partners."