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.
5. Olwethu Makhanya
The South African goes from strength to strength at Ibrox since his summer arrival. A commanding presence in the centre of defence. 8
6. James Penrice
Grew into the match and was prepared to support the attack despite playing an unfamiliar midfield role. Asked to push up and latch on to Celtic's forward-thinking players. Such a solid Old Firm debut. 8 | Getty Images
7. Colby Donovan
In an attacking sense, he was one of Celtic's better players. Struggled defensively with Gassama all afternoon and was booked for a poor foul. Perhaps lucky to get away with a few more in the second period. 4 | Getty Images
8. Cameron Carter-Vickers
Bullied by Naderi for the opening goal and was part of a defence that never, ever looked truly comfortable in a hostile environment. 4 | SNS Group