Celtic booked their place in the final of the Premier Sports Cup with a 3-1 win over Rangers after extra time at Hampden.
In a semi-final at times short of quality but never of drama, the holders could not take care of their Old Firm rivals in normal time despite being a goal and a man up going into the closing stages. However, they exerted their superiority in the additional 30 minutes and will face St Mirren on December 14 back at the national stadium.
Caretaker Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will no doubt be relieved after watching Johnny Kenny’s 25th-minute opener get cancelled out by a James Tavernier penalty on 81 minutes. Rangers had lost Thelo Aasgaard on 38 minutes to a straight red card for a high challenge on Anthony Ralston.
Rangers merited extra time in Danny Rohl’s first Old Firm match but the game was put to bed when Callum McGregor rifled home on 93 minutes and then Callum Osmand scored his first goal for the club on 109 minutes.
Here are the player ratings from Hampden.
13. Arne Engels
Set up Kenny's opener with a devilish corner and came very close to scoring in the 54th minute with a whipped effort that drifted just wide. Celtic's most creative midfielder on the day. 7 | SNS Group
14. Benjamin Nygren
As has been his tendency this season, gets into good areas from midfield. Added a threat to Celtic's attack and nearly scored with a header. Came off on 71 minutes for Hatate as O'Neill aimed to get more control of his midfield. 6 | SNS Group
15. Thelo Aasgaard
A disastrous day for the Norwegian. Had some nice touches during the 38 minutes he was on the pitch before a straight red card for catching Ralston with a high foot in a delicate area of the body. Unfortunate but deserved dismissal. 3 | SNS Group
16. Mohamed Diomande
Scrapped away in midfield and had some neat moments. Drove Rangers on at the start of the second half. Sacrificed for Moore in the chase for a leveller. 6 | SNS Group