Rangers close to record title

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Celtic must beat Aberdeen at Parkhead tomorrow to ensure Rangers will not end the afternoon celebrating a ninth successive championship, equalling the record set by the Parkhead club under the late Jock Stein.

Kilmarnock and Hibernian meet at Rugby Park in a match vital to both clubs, with each being three points ahead of second-bottom Motherwell. They play Dundee United at Fir Park knowing that nothing other than victory will do if Airdrie, who look certain to be First Division runners-up, are to be avoided in the play-off.

In the First Division, St Johnstone can confirm both the championship and automatic promotion by beating relegated East Fife Park, while Ayr United will step up from the Second if they take at least a point against Clyde.

Hearts float, page 25