Wednesday's Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death last weekend of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) announced here Monday.

"These are never easy decisions. But we recognise that as a former player, Phil was part of Celtic's extended football family," said SPL secretary Ian Blair.

"After consultation with Rangers we agreed to postpone the Old Firm fixture on January 2."

The game is the third Scottish top flight fixture due to take place on Wednesday to be postponed since O'Donnell died in hospital on Saturday after collapsing when about to be substituted towards the end of Motherwell's 5-3 home win against Dundee United at Fir Park.

Motherwell's game against Hibernian was the first to be postponed and this was followed Sunday with Gretna delaying their game against St Mirren as it was due to take place at Fir Park, which is now covered in tributes to 35-year-old midfielder O'Donnell.

Celtic's visit to Motherwell on Sunday has also been postponed.

But Wednesday's three other SPL fixtures are set to go ahead as scheduled.

O'Donnell, capped once by Scotland, was set to be replaced by substitute Marc Fitzpatrick in a match but fell to the pitch as the change was taking place. He received some five minutes of treatment on the field before being carried off on a stretcher and was subsequently taken by ambulance to hospital.

His nephew, David Clarkson, who scored twice in the match, was substituted after being alarmed at the sight of his uncle's collapse.

The cause of O'Donnell's death is currently unknown although some reports have suggested he may have suffered a seizure. He is survived by his wife and their four children.