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.
21. Danilo
One lovely through ball for Raskin and did well to halt a Maeda breakaway. Taken off at half time - clearly not fit enough to play any further at this stage. 5 | PA
22. Youssef Chermiti
A hapless exhibition of finishing from Rangers' £8.5m. Put two really good chances wide. Gets into good positions but lacks composure. This team cannot afford to have such a profligate No 9. Came off for Miovski. 4 | PA
23. Celtic subs
James Forrest (pictured) was brought on after 67 minutes and nearly scored with a shot that rattled the underside of the bar. He also set up fellow sub Callum Osmand for a glorious chance to find a winner in normal time, although the former Fulham striker did bag the clincher in extra time. Reo Hatate came on in an attempt to keep hold of the midfield and Kieran Tierney replaced Saracchi at left-back, setting up Osmand. Michel-Ange Balikwisha also appeared. | SNS Group
24. Rangers subs
Djeidi Gassama came on at half time and made a positive impact, winning the penalty. He missed a good chance at 2-1 down. Bojan Miovski (pictured) didn't see a proper chance and there were appearances for Max Aarons, Oliver Antman and Joe Rothwell. | PA