CELTIC will begin the defence of their SPFL Premiership trophy at home to Ross County.

Ronny Deila's side will unfurl the league flag on August 1 before taking on Jim McIntyre's side as they begin the quest for a fifth successive title. County failed to score in their three meetings against Celtic last year, drawing 0-0 at Parkhead but losing 5-0 and 1-0 at home.

The champions then make the short journey to Firhill to play Partick Thistle in their first away game of the campaign on August 8, before a midweek trip to play Kilmarnock on August 12. They then face Inverness Caledonian Thistle (h), Dundee United (a) and then St Johnstone (h) before the month is out.

A busy festive period sees Celtic head for Tynecastle to take on Hearts on Boxing Day, and then travel to take on Dundee on December 30. The New Year derby against Thistle is at Celtic Park on January 2.

Celtic's final pre-split fixture is away to Motherwell on April 9. 

For a full list of 2015/16 fixtures, see Saturday's Herald Sport pullout.