Celtic’s early-season trip to Rugby Park will now come with added attention after Kilmarnock confirmed their Premier Sports Cup home matches have been moved away from their own ground.
Kilmarnock are currently carrying out major work at Rugby Park, with the artificial surface being replaced by a hybrid grass pitch. That work has now forced Neil McCann’s side to move two League Cup group-stage fixtures to Beechwood Park in Auchinleck.
There is no suggestion at this stage that Celtic’s league visit is in doubt, but the update will naturally be noted with the Premiership meeting coming just weeks after Killie’s cup ties.
Kilmarnock released a statement confirming the changes, which read: “Kilmarnock Football Club can now confirm its arrangements for our home matches in the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup.
“Neil McCann’s side will take on Raith Rovers and Hamilton Academical at Beechwood Park, Auchinleck. These matches will take place on Tuesday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 21 respectively, with both matches starting at 7.45pm.
“Our home fixtures for Group H of the tournament have been moved due to the ongoing, extensive pitch renovations being carried out to install a hybrid, grass pitch at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park.
“Our two away matches will take place against Elgin City on Saturday, 18 and at Peterhead on Saturday, 25. Both games are scheduled for 3pm kick-offs.
“Our thanks go to Auchinleck Talbot for accommodating this request. Ticket details will be released in due course.”
Rugby Park has long been one of the more awkward domestic venues for Celtic, not helped by the artificial pitch. The switch to a hybrid grass surface should be a welcome change once complete.
The timing is the only issue to watch. Kilmarnock clearly expect the work to be done for the league campaign, but moving July fixtures shows there is still plenty happening behind the scenes.
Celtic open their Premiership season at home to Dundee before heading to Ayrshire the following weekend. If Rugby Park is ready, it will be the Hoops’ first look at the new surface in competitive action.
