OLD FIRM CLEARED TO PLAY FRIENDLIES IN FRANCE

CELTIC and Rangers have been given quarantine clearance for next week’s pre-season trips to France — with SPFL clubs hoping approval for friendlies at home could follow today. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s confirmation of an ‘air bridge’ between Scotland and France ensures the Old Firm squads will avoid a 14-day lockdown when they return from a planned mini-tournament in Lyon. Celtic and Rangers are both due to play next Thursday and Saturday, against the hosts and fellow Ligue 1 side Nice. Neil Lennon’s men are also set to meet

Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes the following Tuesday. An okay from the Scottish Government is still needed, however, before teams building up to the Premiership kick-off on August 1 are able to play games at their own stadiums or training bases. Rangers have pencilled in a bounce match against Hamilton for tomorrow at Auchenhowie, Hibs will host St Mirren at East Mains on Saturday while Dundee United hope to take on Motherwell. The SFA/SPFL Joint Response Group yesterday announced that Holyrood had approved the reduction of coronavirus test protocols to one round of testing per week from next Monday. One positive test at Aberdeen was returned after 936 were carried out across all Premiership clubs. It is hoped that can now lead to the green light for games after continuing discussions behind the scenes. SFA medical consultant Dr John MacLean said: ‘We are pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the effort clubs have made to this point with a thorough testing regime and agree that from week beginning Monday, July 13, testing can be reduced to once-weekly in line with other sports governing bodies and consideration to the general downward trajectory of the virus in Scotland. ‘This news will be warmly received by clubs but we will ensure the stringent safety measures remain in place.’ A Joint Response Group statement added: ‘The JRG awaits approval from Scottish Government on clubs being able to participate in bounce games and friendly matches prior to the first round of Scottish Premiership fixtures.’