While the Republic of Ireland remain uncertain as to where they will play their upcoming home World Cup qualifiers amid the ongoing stadium saga, it appears the option of using Celtic Park remains a firm one.
Recent reports in certain sections of the Irish media suggested the use of Celtic Park would be blocked by the Glasgow City Council (GCC), mainly for safety and security reasons.
However, in a statement issued today the GCC confirmed they have no authority over Celtic Park as it doesn't come under the remit of the City Council. The only involvement they would have is in granting a licence for games under the Safety of Sports Ground legislation, which they have no issue with.
The statement went on say that if the FAI were to receive FIFA approval to hold the qualifying matches outside of Ireland, Glasgow City Council would have no objection if an approach was made to play such matches at any stadium in Glasgow.
Last weekend Celtic offered an olive branch by saying the FAI could use their stadium if FIFA blocked the use of Lansdowne Road because of the temporary seating issue or if work commenced on a stadium upgrade.
In recent times around 13,000 spectators have been accommodated on temporary bucket seats for competitive home games in Dublin, a situation that FIFA are unlikely to adhere to without a firm commitment on a national stadium.
Lansdowne Road, home of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), has long been regarded as a stadium in need up urgent upgrade. And the IRFU along with the FAI are still waiting on a response from the Government on their proposal for a redeveloped €250m 50,000-seater stadium at the Dublin 4 site.
The Republic are due to play their home qualifying games against France, Switzerland, Cyprus, Israel and the Faroe Islands.