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.
17. Nicolas Raskin
The Belgian midfielder came into his own when Rangers went down to ten men. Buzzed around and picked out some really good passes. Replaced at the start of extra time and his team really missed him. 7 | SNS Group
18. Sebastian Tounekti
Saw a lot of the ball but didn't do a great deal with it. Needed more end product. Made way for Forrest on 67 minutes. 6 | SNS Group
19. Daizen Maeda
Commenced the match wide right and fired a shot straight at Butland early on. Full of his usual energy but the wasn't a great deal of end product, even when switched to his favoured wide-left position. 6 | SNS Group
20. Johnny Kenny
Timed his jump impeccably to net the opener with a neat header. Led the Celtic line well and could have added to his tally with a couple of efforts. Replaced midway through the second half. 7 | PA