Celtic advance to Scottish League Cup semis with Hearts victory

Celtic have advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup by defeating Hearts 2-1 in their clash at Tynecastle this evening.

Stuart Armstrong brought the Bhoys to life in the opening stages of the game through his solo run and strike from the edge of the box, which was deflected just past the post.

Minutes later, the winger raided down the flank and sent a cross towards the penalty spot for Leigh Griffiths, but he headed wide of the target.

Osman Sow could have put the home side ahead when he latched on to a through-ball behind the Celtic defence, but with only Craig Gordon to beat he sent his effort trickling past the post.

In the second half, Kris Commons was afforded space and time inside the box to capitalise on a loose ball, but could only scuff his volleyed effort wide.

The home side thought they had taken the lead when Sow converted from close range after Callum Paterson had headed a free kick into his path at the back post, only for the linesman to rule the effort out for offside.

Celtic went ahead in the 71st minute when Griffiths weaved his way through the Hearts defence before unleashing a curling strike past Neil Alexander.

Ronny Deila's men put the game beyond the reach of the home side as Tomas Rogic reacted to a loose ball in the penalty area, following a Griffiths cross, to steer his strike past Alexander.

The hosts got a goal back in stoppage time when Arnaud Djoum headed the ball in at the back post from a corner, but it was too little too late for Robbie Neilson's side as Celtic held out for the victory.