Celtic bounce back, Gers loom large

Glasgow – Celtic bounced back from a difficult few days to reach the semifinals of the Scottish League Cup thanks to a 1-0 win at St Johnstone on Wednesday.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers also cruised into the last-four with a 4-0 rout of second division Ayr United, while Premiership leaders Hearts came from behind to beat Motherwell 4-2.

Celtic will face Hearts in the semifinals, while Rangers take on Aberdeen on October 28.

Leigh Griffiths (left) grabbed the only goal for the holders in Perth, who had defender Dedryck Boyata sent-off in stoppage time, to maintain manager Brendan Rodgers’s perfect record in domestic cups as Celtic boss.

“Psychologically, it’s a good win for us,” said Rodgers, who has won all six domestic trophies on offer in his first two seasons in charge.

“We’ve enjoyed the last couple of years at Hampden and let’s hope we enjoy it this year as well.”

Rodgers has come in for criticism in recent days after Celtic made their worst league start in 20 years with a 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Gerrard is experiencing no such strife at Ibrox as Rangers have now racked up 13 goals in three home wins in 10 days.

The tie of the night was at Tynecastle where Hearts struck twice in the final two minutes through Olly Lee and Steven Naismith to see off Motherwell.

Aberdeen complete the semifinal lineup after they edged out Hibs on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Easter Road.