Gordon Smith, the Scottish FA chief executive, is hopeful an 18 month search for a Scottish Cup sponsor is nearly over. The SFA are in the final stages of talks with a potential investor over a reported £3million deal over three years.

Former Celtic director Willie Haughey, who owns a Glasgow-based refrigeration firm, has revealed he is in talks with the SFA over providing backing.

"It is a problem and it would be a major boost to the finances," Smith said.

"We have been financing the cup ourselves last season and this season.

"But I think the main thing is it shows there is an interest in the Scottish Cup.

"It's a fantastic tournament, I have great memories of it myself, and I'm delighted if we get someone out there.

"It shows going forward that the cup is something which people can attach themselves to and get a good message across."

Smith is still remaining cautious about the deal finally going through despite the positive negotiations.

"We are in discussions and we're hopeful these discussions will prove fruitful and we'll have a sponsor for the Scottish Cup quite soon," the former Rangers player added.

"But you can never tell with the final part of discussions.

"I'm a bit disappointed it's actually come out in the media because that doesn't help in terms of tying everything up.

"But I have to say we are close and hopefully we will have a sponsor in the near future."