Raith Rovers have refused to get embroiled in any row over where the Ramsdens Cup final should be played, suggesting it would be disrespectful to do so.
The Kirkcaldy club were paired with League Two side Annan Athletic at home in the semi-final draw and will now be firm favourites to book their spot in the competition’s showpiece in April.
But, while Rangers still have to get past Stenhousemuir in the other semi, there has already been a lot of talk of which venues could accommodate the demand from fans of the Ibrox club if they were to make it through to the final.
With Hampden out of commission due to Commonwealth Games preparations, Celtic Park and even Ibrox itself have been suggested.
However, Raith chief executive Eric Drysdale is looking no further than Rovers’ date with Annan on Sunday October 13.
“We haven’t played Annan Athletic in a competitive game, although we’ve played them in a pre-season friendly in the past, so it will be a great game to look forward to,” he said.
“It’s a good draw for us and we hope the fans will come out and support the team as they try to get to a national final.
“There has been a lot made of where the final might be played but it’s all conjecture just now.
“The semi-final draw has just been made and it would be hugely dis-respectful to think about what lies beyond the semi-finals.
“Only if and when we beat Annan we will think about that, and there would still be six months to sort out where the final could and should be played.”
Drysdale revealed in Thursday’s Courier that a draw against Rangers would have been better financially, but he believes most Raith fans will be happy with the pairing they got.
“The prize money is not huge but it’s a national trophy and it’s well worth the winning,” he said.
“The players are obviously up for it and they’ve performed really well in the games, so as far as we’re concerned if that continues then we can perhaps go on and do something.”
While the date of Rangers’ trip to Stenhousemuir is likely to be changed, Rovers expect their semi-final at home to Annan Athletic will go ahead on Sunday October 13 as planned.
That will necessitate the postponement of the Kirkcaldy club’s home league game against Livingston that weekend, which Courier Sport understands, is likely to be played nine days later on Tuesday October 22.
Hampden has been ruled out of hosting the final next April as work is due to begin on a temporary running track at the national stadium for Glasgow 2014.
Should Rangers make it, Celtic Park would be the obvious next choice although the cost of hiring the stadium and policing costs could make it too expensive.
It has also emerged that a proposal to use Ibrox could also be put before the SPFL board and considered on its own merit.
However, if they reach the final and Rangers turn out to be their opponents, Raith are of the view that it should be played at a neutral venue.
Annan, meanwhile, are thought to be open to playing the final at Ibrox to maximise income.