After five years of negotiations with authorities, Celtic have been granted permission to provide safe standing arrangements at Celtic Park.

The club are hoping to have the new rail seating facilities - which will initially house up to 2,600 supporters - installed at their Glasgow stadium in time for the 2016-17 season.

"Celtic has worked tirelessly on this issue and we are delighted that this permission has finally been granted," chief executive Peter Lawwell said in a statement.

"The introduction of rail seating at Celtic Park represents an investment in spectator safety. Across football globally, the reality is that some supporters are choosing to stand at matches.

"This is something we must accept and manage and also understand the positive effect which these areas have on atmosphere at matches.

"Celtic's primary objective will always be the safety and comfort of its supporters - this new system will now allow fans to stand safely at matches.

"Rail seating has been in place in European football for some time and there has been considerable demand for some form of 'safe standing' within the UK and particularly from our supporters.

"We are sure the rail seating section will prove very popular with supporters and we look forward to its introduction.

"I would like to thank Glasgow City Council for their support in delivering this measure and for the backing they have given to Celtic's focus on safety at matches."