CELTIC could be heading for an action replay of Saturday night fever in the Scottish Cup when they take on Hearts at Tynecastle next month.
Live TV coverage saw the Hoops move to a 5.30pm kick-off slot when two goals from Reo Hatate helped them to a 5-1 triumph over St Mirren at Parkhead at the weekend to book their place in the quarter-final.
That was the second time inside a month Ange Postecoglou’s men had shifted to the unusual starting time on a Saturday evening. Satellite station Viaplay, sponsors on the tournament, also beamed live their 2-0 League Cup semi-final victory over Kilmarnock at Hampden at 5.30pm on January 14.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Reo Hatate is all smiles after smshing in his second – and Celtic’s fifth goal – in the 5-1 win over St Mirren. Beaten keeper Trevor Crason doesn’t share the joy.
It seems odds-on the champions will play Robbie Neilson’s outfit on Saturday March 11 although Sunday is also an option.
However, with details confirming dates and kick-off times yet to be announced, Scotland’s Six Nations game against Ireland will undoubtedly be factored into the equation.
The rugby match is due to take place at neaby Murrayfield at 3pm on Sunday, March 12.
That will almost certainly mean the Hearts v Celtic last-eight tie being played 24 hours earlier to prevent the area being overcrowded by supporters of both sports and to ease transport and policing.
SCREEN GEM…Reo Hatate takes the acclaim of the fans following his second goal against the Paisley side in the live Viaplay transmission on Saturday night.
All that would remain to be decided would be the kick-off which will be between the start times of 12.30pm and 5.30pm.
The latter will be favourite if Viaplay reckon it will attract greater viewing figures.
In the meantime, former Hoops prospect Aidan Nesbitt was on target as giantkillers Darvel’s Cup dream died in Ayrshire last night.
Aberdeen had toppled at the same venue to leave boss Jim Goodwin within one game of the sack, but there were no mistakes from John McGlynn’s Falkirk who eased to a 5-1 victory over their gallant opponents.
Nesbitt claimed the fourth goal with a superb curling effort into the roof of the net nine minutes from time.
REVISED DRAW
Hearts v CELTIC
Inverness Caley Thistle v Kilmarnock
Falkirk v Ayr United
Rangers v Raith Rovers
Ties are due for the weekend of March 11/12 and all games are due for live broadcast split between Viaplay and BBC Scotland.
