There is already a precedent for such a move. Last season, Rangers had to switch an Ibrox clash with Hibernian after Celtic's Hampden showdown with St Mirren was scheduled for the same day. The match was pushed back to the Monday evening, with Emmanuel Fernandez scoring the winner for the Gers.

A similar scenario is now looming for Martin O'Neill's side, who are due to host Hibs at Parkhead on Sunday, December 13, the same day as this season's Hampden showpiece.

While Hibs could still reach the final themselves if they beat Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the second semi-final, their Premiership trip to Glasgow looks almost certain to be moved should they fall short.

The SPFL and Police Scotland are traditionally reluctant to have Celtic and Rangers playing separate matches in Glasgow on the same afternoon, making a change the most likely outcome.

Celtic are unable to simply bring the fixture forward by 24 hours. The champions are in Europa League action away to Omonia Nicosia on the Thursday night before the scheduled league encounter.

That leaves Monday evening as one potential solution, mirroring the arrangement made for Rangers and Hibs last season.

However, officials could also decide to move the match to an entirely different date depending on fixture congestion and broadcast requirements.

For now, Celtic's schedule remains unchanged, but Rangers' victory over Aberdeen has left a major question mark hanging over Hibs' planned visit to Parkhead.