Gers bosses have sounded out the SPL and Scottish FA about extending the SPL calendar this term. The SPL leaders are lagging behind in the fixture race and are still involved in the Uefa Cup and Scottish Cup.

However, Celtic - with only the league to focus on - are against any such proposal and reports printed in the Daily Record suggest that the Bhoys will jet off to Japan after the last week of the SPL season.

There are three Old Firm clashes still to be played, the first of which will kick-off at lunchtime this Saturday. The season finishes on May 18th, followed by the domestic cup final, but Celtic are set to confirm the tour by way of ruling out any extension.

Celtic's profile has been raised in Japan by the signings of Shunsuke Nakamura and Koki Mizuno.