Scottish Premier League chairman Lex Gold is hopeful that the 10-non Old Firm clubs will withdraw their resignations from the league early in the New Year.

The latest round of peace talks took place at Hampden Park on Monday as all 12 clubs tried to resolve their differences.

The gulf between Celtic and Rangers and the rest of the SPL clubs widened when the Glasgow giants pulled the plug on SPL TV, leading to the renegade 10 announcing their intention to quit the league.

They were also unhappy at the current 11-1 voting structure - which effectively allows the Old Firm to veto any proposals - preferring an 8-4 ratio instead.

Most club representatives emerged from the summit encouraged that progress had been made - despite hints of friction among the 10 clubs who had previously appeared united in their opposition of Rangers and Celtic.

The main sticking points are new media and what that means SPL chairman Lex Gold

The next meeting is scheduled to take place on 22 January and Gold is hopeful that peace will eventually break out sooner rather than later.

"It seems to be going in the right direction and that was confirmed today but there is still work to be done," said Gold.

The main stumbling block now is the topic of internet rights and Gold admits that is a subject which will require more discussion before an agreement can be reached.

He added: "The main sticking points are new media and what that means - looking at how you can safeguard the position going forward if we adopt one approach and what that might mean in cash terms.

"There are a range of issues around that but essentially it's about getting the right level of protection for the clubs."

Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod echoed Gold's sentiments as did his Rangers counterpart John McClelland.

"It was a relatively constructive meeting," said McLeod.

"It appears now that there are a number of clubs who want to see a resolution to the difficulties the SPL has faced.

"I'm pretty confident now that we will see a resolution. There are still a number of technical difficulties that need to be resolved.

"But I think that the indication from a number of the clubs is that we want to move the SPL forward on a positive note and I'm confident that's what's going to prevail."

McClelland broadly agreed, stating: "I would say that the majority of the clubs seemed satisfied that progress was being made.

It would be misleading to give the impression that we're near the finishing line Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne

"But there are two or three clubs who are less than satisfied with that solution.

"The main stumbling block is getting the detail behind some of the new media issues sorted but I think there is a majority agreement on the principles.

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne sounded a note of caution.

"It doesn't surprise us that there are still a number of substantial issues to be resolved," said Milne.

"But the will is still there of all 12 clubs to try to move it forward.

"I think it would be wrong for everyone to speculate on the whole thing being sorted out soon.

"Hopefully we can continue to move things forward but it would be misleading to give the impression that we're near the finishing line."