CELTIC’S Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie against Auchinleck Talbot could be switched to Kilmarnock’s Rugby Park.
The Premiership side have offered their ground to cope with the ticket demand which would swamp the Ayrshire minnows’ 4,500-capacity Beechwood Park.
Police Scotland will have a major say on whether or not the club’s ground will be suitable for the intriguing fixture which is due to be played on the weekend of January 17/18 2026.
With a financial bonanza within their grasp, it is believed Talbot would be receptive to a change of venue.
Allan McLuckie, the club’s assistant boss, said: “I think a lot of it will be dictated to by the police and then maybe Celtic and the SFA.
“The committee need to talk about it first and then we’ll take direction from them.
“It’d be great to have Celtic at home, but, by the same token, you’ve got an opportunity to leave a massive legacy in terms of the money that comes into the club.”
Killie also host a Cup-tie against Dundee that weekend, but there would be no problem playing one game on Saturday and another 24 hours later on the club’s plastic surface.
Satellite television will also be highly interested in showing live a match that captures the romance of the competition.
McLuckie, speaking to the Glasgow Times, added: “It might be by the end of this week before a decision is made.
“Could you switch it to Parkhead? I don’t know whether that’s a possibility or not.
“Certainly, Kilmarnock have come forward and offered their pitch.”
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