Celtic are making plans to have 30,000 supporters inside Parkhead as early as August, according to a report.

The Scottish government have hinted that social distancing measures could be eased within a relatively short time frame with the current two metre distance ready to be cut to one metre.

Matches are to begin being played on August 1 with the date pencilled in for a start to the new season following last term's shutdown. They will be played behind closed doors, at least to start with, but the Daily Mail claim Celtic are drawing up ideas as to how they might be able to reintegrate supporters inside the ground.

Their plans would see almost half capacity crowds being allowed back at Celtic Park as the Hoops continue their bid to try and seal 10 in a row. 

A statement from the Joint Response Group this week hailed Nicola Sturgeon's plans for  a route out of lockdown. It read: "The Joint Response Group welcomes the First Minister’s update today on the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis and its positive implications for football.

"We are pleased that plans are under way to introduce live outdoor events with physical distancing and restricted numbers, potentially as early as July 23. While we appreciate this area is subject to further public health advice, we will nevertheless work with the government to seek clarity on this advice in relation to the August 1 start to the Scottish Premiership season."

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell added: "Today’s news is welcome by the JRG and I am sure everyone involved in Scottish football from professional to grassroots level. While we must proceed with caution and respect the government’s current public health advice, none the less the First Minister’s announcement today gives confidence that, as the virus diminishes in Scotland, we can prepare for the gradual return of fans into stadia.

"The JRG is also currently finalising its Return to Playing guidelines for the commencement of the Scottish Premiership season and will share this with clubs shortly.”