SPL looking to ease fixtures jam for Rangers

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) are to consider taking steps to ease the fixtures jam that is threatening to overwhelm Rangers hopes of pulling off a rare four-trophy slam.

The Glasgow side have asked for Saturday's Premier League match against Dundee United to be postponed to better prepare for next Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg.

This was initially rejected by the Scottish Premier League (SPL) but they will hold further talks on the matter with the Scottish Football Association later Tuesday.

Those discussions could also result in the SPL season being extended further, and the Scottish Cup final being moved back.

Rangers are due to play United, in their third SPL game in seven days, just four days before the UEFA Cup final against the Russians. They are currently lying second in the league, seven points behind Celtic but with three games in hand.

Zenit, managed by former Rangers coach Dick Advocaat have already had three matches postponed to give them almost two weeks to prepare for the final in Manchester.

The SPL have already extended the season for top-six clubs by four days to May 22, sparking criticism from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Rangers manager Walter Smith hit out at Lawwell and expressed his disappointment in the SPL after Rangers drew 0-0 with Hibernian on Sunday.

But the SPL could now perform a U-turn and more news was expected later on Tuesday, with talks taking place at Hampden.

Rangers are due to play Queen of the South in their third cup final of the season on May 24, but that game could now be put back.

Walter Smith's side have already won the Scottish League Cup and are aiming at winning all four trophies they are contesting this season.