Half-Time Report: Celtic closing in on semi-final appearance

Celtic are 45 minutes away from an appearance in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup after taking a 1-0 lead in at half time against the 10 men of Partick Thistle.

John Guidetti's second goal in as many games has given the Bhoys the lead against Thistle, who were reduced to 10 men after Stuart Brannigan was sent off.

The Swede struck a free kick just after the half-hour mark to give Ronny Deila's team the advantage at the break.

Earlier in the half, Brannigan went close after just five minutes, but he couldn't keep his shot down, before Anthony Stokes headed over moments later.

Mikael Lustig should have opened the scoring after 25 minutes, but he saw his close-range header saved by goalkeeper Scott Fox.

Former Liverpool youngster Nathan Ecclestone saw an effort well saved by Craig Gordon five minutes before the break, and Guidetti almost doubled his tally at the death of the half with a shot from outside the area.

Celtic saw their cause aided in stoppage time when Brannigan was shown a straight red card for a poor challenge on Guidetti.