An SPFL rule states that Rangers will be able to apply for a postponement of the new Old Firm fixture date should players remain in the African Cup of Nations.
It was announced today that the original match date of January 3rd would be pushed back nearly a full calendar month after the winter break was pulled forward.
This move came after the Scottish government announced a return to severely restricted crowds from Boxing day, with only 500 fans allowed in grounds.
The move means that Rangers could be without three key players in Joe Aribo, Clavin Bassey and Leon Balogun who are all in the Nigeria squad for the showpiece tournament.
The Super Eagles would have to reach the semi-finals which take place on the 2nd and 3rd of February for there to be a problem.
But fears that the Ibrox men would have to face their bitter rivals without three of their key men look to have been eased.
Rule G7 of the SPFL's rules state that Rangers could apply for a postponement if three or more players are unavailable.
It states: "A Club shall be entitled to apply to the Board for the postponement of any Official Match where three or more of its Players who would otherwise have participated in such match are unavailable through international selection and, following receipt of such an application, the Board may postpone and rearrange the relevant Official Match in accordance with Rule G3."
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