When Celtic play Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup also determines key Champions League date

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Celtic will face Raith Rovers after beating Kilmarnock in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

The Bhoys dispatched Kilmarnock 2-1 at Celtic Park to keep themselves on course for another domestic treble after their Scottish Cup win.

However, Brendan Rodgers is also fighting on the European front as the Celtic manager looks to book his place in the play-off places with a home win over Young Boys at Celtic Park.

And it seems that if Celtic do manage to progress in Europe’s elite, it will have a bearing on when the Hoops face Raith Rovers in the next round of the Scottish Cup.

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When Celtic could play in the Champions League play-off places

Celtic’s next fixture is against Young Boys in the Champions League.

Should Brendan Rodgers negotiate a win, then a place in the last 32 is all but guaranteed. According to UEFA’s Champions League schedule, there are four dates in February that Celtic could book in the next round of the competition.

The 11/12 & 18/19 of February are the dates UEFA have booked for the knockout phase and who plays on those dates not be confirmed until all Champions League fixtures are concluded on the 29th of January.

However, now that Celtic’s date with Raith Rovers in the cup is confirmed, it will also determine when they could play in the next round of the Champions League.

When Celtic play Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup

The Scottish FA have the fifth round of the Scottish Cup pencilled in for the weekend of the 8th of February. The Celtic Park fixture is likely to be a complete sell-out.

So with that in mind, it is likely that Celtic, if they qualify for the next round of the Champions League, will play the Scottish Cup match on Saturday (8th) as the Parkhead club won’t know who they will face due to the draw being made just ten days before facing Raith.

It could be all go for Celtic again in February as the fixtures keep on coming as the Scottish Champions continue their relentless charge for success this season.