An electric performance from Celtic saw them breeze through to the final of the Scottish Cup as they bulldozed St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park.
Despite the game starting fairly even, a fine strike from Callum McGregor (34) opened the floodgates for the holders, with goals from Daizen Maeda (37, 45+1) and Adam Idah (45) blowing away St Johnstone before the half-time break.
Makenzie Kirk saw a stunning long-range drive ruled out early in the second-half for a foul in the build up as Simo Valakari’s side endured the grimmest of afternoons in Glasgow, before substitute Jota rubbed salt into wounds by slamming home Celtic’s fifth (67) in a game that was effectively dead by the time the second period had even began.
St Johnstone now return to Scottish Premiership action as they look to stave off a relegation to the second tier, but for Celtic, it’s full steam ahead in their quest for a domestic treble. They’ll face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup back at Hampden Park on Saturday 24 May.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each player in Celtic’s 5-0 win over St Johnstone at Hampden Park:
13. Reo Hatate (Celtic) - 9/10
Probed with some smart passing, and almost played in Maeda after 17 minutes. Grabbed two deserved assists shortly afterwards. A real classy customer that sparkled at Hampden. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
14. Jason Holt (St Johnstone) - 6/10
Started well enough, won loose balls, and recycled the possession well. Soon overawed though, as Celtic dominated. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
15. Arne Engels (Celtic) - 7/10
Complimented Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate well. A solid performance. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
16. Victor Griffith (St Johnstone) - 5/10
Good early interception almost allowed a break for the home side, blocked well from a Callum McGregor on the edge of the area, but it meant little as Celtic ended the game within 12 minutes. | SNS Group