JOHN BEATON will be the man in the middle on Sunday afternoon as Celtic host Rangers in the final derby of the season.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side make the short trip across Glasgow at the weekend knowing a defeat would all but seal the title for their rivals, who are six points clear with four games left to play.

Celtic's superior goal difference gives the Parkhead club another buffer and they will be hoping to get their title tilt just about over the line with a victory.

The two Glasgow giants last met in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, where the men from Ibrox secured a 2-1 win in extra-time. Bobby Madden was the referee on that occasion.

Willie Collum took charge of the last league meeting between the two sides but Beaton has been given the nod ahead of Sunday's derby.

The 40-year-old will be assisted by Frank Connor and Graeme Stewart, while Don Robertson has been appointed as the fourth official.