Old Firm clubs discover Premier Sports Cup semi-final draw fate as Rangers and Celtic are kept apart

Celtic will face holders St Johnstone in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final after the draw was made by former Hoops striker John Hartson last night.

Rangers will take on Hibernian in the other last-four tie at Hampden Park.

Steven Gerrard’s side will return to the national stadium for the first time since December 2019 after booking their spot, courtesy of a 2-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The half-time introduction of attacker Ianis Hagi sparked life into the Gers following a goalless first half. Within two minutes of coming on, the Romanian set up Kemar Roofe to convert from close range.

Alfredo Morelos capitalised on a stray pass from visiting keeper Max Stryjek late on to seal their return to Hampden.

Celtic also progressed after a dominant 3-0 victory over Championship side Raith Rovers at Parkhead.

Influential winger Jota marked his most impressive performance for the Hoops to date with the opening goal after 26 minutes before Liel Abada and David Turnbull added a touch gloss to the score line.

Reflecting on the draw, Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou said: “It should be a great occasion.

“You’re in the semi-final of a cup competition so you’re never going to get an easy game. St Johnstone did really well in the cups last year and will be good opponents.”

In the other two quarter final encounters, last season’s champions St Johnstone booked their fifth trip to Hampden in the past year by seeing off Dundee 2-0 at Dens Park, while Hibernian breezed past Dundee United 3-1 at Tannadice.

The semi-final ties are due to be played on the weekend of November 20^th and 21^st, with the final taking place on Sunday December 19^th.