The Ramsdens Cup final between Partick Thistle and Queen of the South could create a little bit of history by becoming the first national cup final to be played on an artificial surface.

Airdrie United's Excelsior Stadium, which had a 3G surface installed in the summer of 2010, has emerged as the front-runner for the April 7 showdown which is expected to attract 7500 fans.

Clyde's Broadwood, which also has an artificial surface and a capacity of 8006, is also being considered. But the potential size of the crowd has ruled out Hamilton Academical's New Douglas Park, which has a capacity of 6000. A third option could be Motherwell's Fir Park.

An SFL spokesperson said: "We are now turning our tentative thoughts into plans, and hope to make an announcement within the next couple of days."