Celtic supporters are hoping for a significantly increased away allocation at Ibrox, and the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer has added fuel to that optimism following the Scottish Cup draw.

The tie was confirmed after Falkirk were taken to extra time by Stenhousemuir, with Celtic pulled out to face Rangers away from home. It capped off a brutal-looking run for Celtic, who are already staring at away trips to Stuttgart, Rangers and Aberdeen in quick succession. The cup tie would make it four away games in the space of 10 days.

Unlike league derbies, where Celtic’s allocation at Ibrox Stadium is capped at around five per cent of the ground, the Scottish Cup rulebook allows visiting clubs to request up to 20 per cent of a stadium’s capacity. That figure would be well beyond what Celtic currently receive for league matches.

The prospect of a full Broomloan Stand has immediately come into focus. That scenario would represent a major shift from recent seasons and bring the fixture closer to the atmosphere of old, when large travelling supports were the norm.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. The rules also state that practical arrangements and police input must be taken into account, factors that could be used to limit any significant increase. As ever with Scottish football, few expect the process to be straightforward.

However, Celtic’s SLO has given his expectation by posting an image of the full Broomloan Stand shortly after the tie was announced. While not a formal statement, it has been interpreted by supporters as a hint that the club may test the boundaries of the regulations and formally request a larger allocation.

A huge Celtic support inside Ibrox for a Scottish Cup tie would not only lift the team in a demanding period, but also restore a sense of occasion that has been sorely missing from recent derbies.

Whether that hope turns into reality now depends on negotiations, logistics and the appetite of the authorities.