Rangers rout Celtic 3-0 to reach Scottish League Cup semis

n n

Rangers swept into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals as Dan Neil’s double inspired a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Celtic on Sunday.

n

Neil put Rangers ahead with a clinical finish from the edge of the area in the 22nd minute at Ibrox.

n

With no Celtic fans in attendance at the order of the authorities amid a ticket allocation spat between the Glasgow clubs, the whole stadium exploded in celebration of the midfielder’s first goal since his close-season move from Sunderland.

n

Rangers’ new striker Kevin Kelsy also got his maiden goal for the club when he fired home to double the lead in the 59th minute.

n

Neil added Rangers’ third with another fine finish in the 75th minute to settle a surprisingly one-sided quarter-final.

n

Rangers boss Derek McInnes was able to enjoy his first Old Firm derby success after arriving from Hearts to take charge in the summer.

n

McInnes’s men have won their last five games in all competitions to erase the frustration of their slow start to the season.

n

“It was the performance and result we were all looking for. The game demanded a big performance, and I thought we delivered on that,” McInnes said.

n

“I love the togetherness. I need to have this team who cares for each other, has love for each other.

n

“When things aren’t going well, you sometimes see the true strength. We’ve had some soul-searching and tough times the past few weeks.

n

“It’s a good reference point for my players. They’re a young squad, and they saw how much that result means to the supporters.”

n

It was a first domestic defeat of the season for Scottish champions Celtic, who rarely threatened the Rangers goal.

n

Martin O’Neill’s team will not have long to wait for revenge as the two sides meet at Celtic in the Scottish Premiership next Sunday, with visiting fans again banned.

n

“We were well beaten. The 3-0 scoreline doesn’t hide it; it was a tough afternoon for us,” O’Neill said.

n

“We were well in the game early on, even at half-time, but they were stronger than us on the day, and they deserved to win.

n

“Next Sunday will be a different ball game when we’ve got the home crowd with us. We can learn from this, and that’s the most important thing. We need to.”

n

Rangers were pitted against Aberdeen in the semi-final draw, while Hearts will face Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

n

The ties will be played at Hampden Park on the weekend of October 31 and November 1.

n

Hearts beat Stenhousemuir 3-0 on Friday, Hibernian defeated Ross County 3-0, and Aberdeen won 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock on Saturday.

n

AFP

n n