Rangers stormed into the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over rivals Celtic at Ibrox.
In the first Old Firm derby of the season, Rangers were deserved victors in manager Derek McInnes’ first taste of this fixture from the dugout. Captain Dan Neil netted a brace, while Kevin Kelsy was also on the scoresheet.
Rangers started brightly and had two early chances. Kelsey drilled wide from a promising position after a poor clearance from Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was preferred to Viljami Sinisalo, and Liam Scales did well to clear off his own goalline after Johnstone’s weak punch had landed at the feet of Kim Minsu.
The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Ryan Naderi and Kelsy linked up and the latter laid the ball back to Neil, who stroked an accurate finish past Johnstone and into the bottom corner.
Celtic struggled to create anything of note in an underwhelming first-half performance, their best moment coming when Camilo Duran placed a shot wide from the left-side of the penalty box.
Celtic did not improve in the second half and Rangers doubled their advantage on the hour-mark when Kelsy drilled home emphatically after a cross dropped into his path.
The hosts were buoyant and Nicolas Raskin had a headed third goal chalked off two minutes later for offside.
The coup de grace came on 75 minutes when the impressive Neil sent an unstoppable effort high beyond Johnstone as the Rangers fans inside Ibrox celebrated a milestone result.
1. Ivor Pandur
Safe handling on the rare occasions he was called upon. This was a straightforward Old Firm debut for the Croat. 7 | SNS Group
2. Sam Johnstone
Handed an Old Firm start ahead of Sinisalo. Made a couple of decent saves, but looked susceptible under a high ball and kicked a clearance straight to Kelsy. No chance with the goals. 5 | SNS Group
3. Dujon Sterling
Really growing into role as Rangers' first-choice right-back. Dealt with first Tounekti and the Duran down his flank. 8 | SNS Group
4. Emmanuel Fernandez
Pretty dominant display, although a shade fortunate that a misplaced pass didn't lead to a good Celtic chance. Had his customary moment of slackness but apart from that, he did well - and kept the clean sheet in tact with a clearance off the line on 90 minutes. 8 | Getty Images