Celtic will begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership live on television after their first three league games of the 2017/18 season were chosen to be broadcast.

They will unfurl their six-in-a-row league-winning flag at home before taking on Hearts on the opening day of the season.

Their fixture will now kick off at the earlier time of 12.30pm on Saturday, August 5.

Their following two away games against Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock have also been selected for television coverage.

Rangers will now start their campaign on Sunday, August 6, when they travel to Fir Park to take on Motherwell.

Their away fixture against Ross County at the end of the month has also been selected, meaning the game will now take place at 3pm on Sunday, August 27.

The only televised August fixture not involving Celtic or Rangers will be earlier that afternoon when Dundee welcome newly promoted Hibs to Dens Park.