The Scottish Football Association will not postpone the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Queen of the South on May 24 to ease Walter Smith's side's fixture congestion.

Rangers, who are closing in on a possible quadruple, are now resigned to playing seven matches in the space of 17 days, including two cup finals.

The SPL refused initial appeals to postpone their league match with Dundee United on Sunday, and Smith's side will now be forced to play their third league match in seven days, just four days before the UEFA Cup final against Zenit St. Petersburg on May 14.

There may yet be some hope, however, with the SPL and the SFA reported to be holding further talks on Tuesday morning, and SFA chairman George Peat publicly urging the country's football authorities to help Rangers in their quest for European glory.

Russian side Zenit have had three matches postponed to give them almost two weeks to prepare for the Manchester final.

The SPL have already extended the season for top-six clubs by four days to May 22, sparking criticism from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Rangers are currently trailing Celtic by nine points at the top of the SPL, with three games in hand.

RANGERS FIXTURES (as they stand)

7 May - Motherwell (home - SPL)

10 May - Dundee United (home - SPL)

14 May - Zenit St. Petersburg (Uefa Cup final)

17 May - Motherwell (away - SPL)

19 May - St. Mirren (away - SPL)

22 May - Aberdeen (away - SPL)

24 May - Queen of the South (Scottish Cup final)

Will Tidey / SportingLife / Eurosport