CELTIC will meet Hibs in the Betfred League Cup semi-final as Neil Lennon’s men zero in on their fourth successive triumph in the tournament.
The Hoops were in cruise control at Parkhead tonight as they won 5-0 against Championship strugglers Partick Thistle with a breakthrough goal for Vakoun Issouf Bayo, a double from Olivier Ntcham and singles from comeback Bhoy Tom Rogic and substitute Scott Sinclair.
The Easter Road side won through after a tense penalty-kick shoot-out following an extra-time stalemate tussle against Kilmarnock to claim their place at Hampden against the holders in the weekend of November 2/3.
Celtic, of course, faced Edinburgh opposition in the shape of Hearts at the same stage last season in a tie played at Murrayfield. It was goalless at half-time, but substitute Ryan Christie turned the tie on its head with an exquisite 45 minutes as he scored a magnificent goal and inspired his team-mates to a 3-0 triumph.
In the other last-four encounter, Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit, who toiled to beat Livingston 1-0, will meet Hearts after Aberdeen missed three consecutive spot-kicks in the shoot-out following deadlock at the end of extra-time.
The draw is:
HIbs v CELTIC
Rangers v Hearts
Ties due on November 2/3