FOOTBALL fans have been warned to plan ahead before travelling to the Betfred Scottish League Cup semi-finals.

Supporters are set to travel to BT Murrayfield for Celtic's 1.30pm clash with Hearts on Sunday, October 28, while thousands will also descend on Hampden Park as Rangers face off against Aberdeen just three hours later.

ScotRail has confirmed that extra carriages will be added to trains to help fans get to and from the stadiums, however trains will be much busier than normal.

Trains to and from Edinburgh via Airdrie and Bathgate will operate with six carriages throughout the day.

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But, Network Rail will be carrying out work to upgrade the track and signalling equipment at Bellgrove, meaning buses replacement services will be offered between Partick and Springburn/Garrowhill.

Celtic fans travelling from the west of the city are advised to travel on the Glasgow Queen Street High Level to Edinburgh via Falkirk High route where possible.

Aberdeen supporters are encouraged to consider their travel options, as the three trains to Glasgow prior to kick off and two trains back to the city after the match are expected to be very busy.

Customers heading to the games are advised to allow additional time for travel, as queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Central and Queen Street prior to kick off, and at Mount Florida/Kings Park and Haymarket after the final whistle.

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Extra staff will be on hand to assist customers and, as with most large events, alcohol bans will be in place.

ScotRail head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: "These are really big games for the teams involved, and we’re looking forward to once again helping fans get to the match to cheer on their side.

“We will be doing everything we can to keep people moving hassle-free, but supporters should plan their journeys in advance at scotrail.co.uk or on the ScotRail app.”