SPFL bosses are bracing themselves for a spectacular Old Firm Premiership play-off should the title race conclude in a stalemate between Rangers and Celtic. A 3-1 victory for Celtic in the final derby of the season next month would unlock the extraordinary possibility that the bitter rivals could finish an already remarkable campaign completely level.

That would mean identical points, goal difference and goals scored - before the matching head-to-head record came into consideration. And that would pave the way for an unprecedented play-off for the top-flight title. Not since 2003, when Mikel Arteta's late penalty nudged Rangers over the line by a solitary goal ahead of Celtic, has a play-off been considered. On that occasion Hampden had been earmarked as the venue.

Current regulations mean it is already out of the question for Hearts to finish level with either of the Glasgow giants, given that Celtic cannot match the Jambos in their head-to-head record even if they win the final encounter between the sides.

Similarly, should Rangers and Hearts finish equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, that deadlock would be resolved by the last meeting between the sides, which would either favour Hearts with a win or draw, or Rangers with a victory on account of the goal difference against the Jambos.

Yet the prospect of an Old Firm stalemate remains very much on the table. And, while the summer's World Cup has introduced a further complication into proceedings due to leagues concluding early, Express Sport understands that the SPFL board would advise on available options - with the first of these being a play-off at a neutral ground with extra time and penalties if necessary.

An SPFL source confirmed: "Absolutely. The league has prepared for a similar eventuality in the past." Rangers travel to Falkirk on Sunday afternoon for the final fixture ahead of the split, with the three-way title race showing no sign of easing following victories for Celtic and Hearts yesterday.

The top six post-split campaign will reach its conclusion on Saturday, May 16, with Celtic entertaining Hearts and Rangers making another trip to Falkirk.

Current league regulations stipulate that should two sides remain inseparable on points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head points, and head-to-head goal difference, then a play-off must be staged.

That could trigger a frantic scramble to secure a venue large enough to accommodate an additional Old Firm clash, potentially just days before the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on Saturday, May 23.

Should the extraordinary scenario arise whereby all three clubs finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored, then reigning champions Celtic would be eliminated from contention on the basis of points accumulated against the other two title challengers.

At present, Hearts have accumulated 13 points against the Old Firm, while Rangers have claimed eight against the Jambos and Hoops. Celtic have managed just three against the other two sides, meaning they cannot match Hearts' tally.