SPL fixtures announced

RANGERS will begin the defence of their title at home next season, it was revealed today following the publication of next season fixture list.

The Ibrox side will take on Hearts on the opening day of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday, July 23.

Full SPL fixture list for season 2011/12 >>

Runners-up Celtic, who finished a point behind their Old Firm rivals in the SPL last season, also face Edinburgh opponents on the opening day. Hibernian await Neil Lennon's side at Easter Road.

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Rangers have home advantage in the first Old Firm derby of the season, on September 17, while the two meet in a festive clash at Parkhead on December 28.

SPL newcomers Dunfermline, who ensured a return to Scottish football's top tier by winning the Irn-Bru Division One title last season, have home advantage on the opening day.

Jim McIntyre's Pars, back in Scottish football's top flight after a four-season absence, start with a home match against St Mirren.

In the other openers, Aberdeen take on St Johnstone at Pittodrie, while Terry Butcher takes his Inverness Caledonian Thistle side to another team he has managed - Motherwell.

Dundee United and Kilmarnock meet in the first round of SPL fixtures - but the clash has already been put back to the following day, Sunday, July 24.