The former Celtic manager is one game away from making history by becoming the most successful boss in their 58-year history, after guiding them to 26 wins in just 36 matches.

They are top of the Saudi Pro League after eight wins, a draw and a defeat in their opening ten games of the season.

Under unique Saudi rules, clubs can formally request foreign refereeing teams for high-profile matches by paying the costs involved to fly the officials in and submitting their application 16 days before the match.

And it was confirmed Rodgers and his Al Qadisiyah club requested a foreign referee for their crucial game against second place Al Hilal in Dammam, which has been approved.
Saudi League chiefs have yet to reveal the nationality of the refereeing team who will jet into the country to take charge of the showdown.

Clubs in the Gulf nation usually set aside a budget at the start of the season to request foreign refereeing due to widespread distrust about local referees.

Rodgers will become the club's most successful manager, overtaking Spanish coach Michel, if he wins the match.