Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 15:00 Sunday; League Cup Quarter-finals, Premier TV
- Falkirk are in the second tier, and have 5/5 wins in their league so far.
- 18-year-old full-back Colby Donovan makes the bench for Celtic’s first-team this afternoon, but doesn’t get to be subbed on.
- A lot rested today which actually backfired and Brendan Rodgers conceded that, but squad rotation was needed.
- Alex Valle makes his Celtic debut while Auston Trusty starts for the first time, having come on as a late substitute in midweek.
- Kasper Schmeichel in his very early days actually had a spell at Falkirk (under ex Celt John Hughes), playing around 15 games for them.
- Celtic to play Aberdeen in the next round (semi-finals).
- Ex-Celt Tony Stokes in court of case after having been caught with €3,700 of cocaine in a sock after 160kmh chase while drink-driving!
- SFA introduce Key Match Incident Review Panel to replace last season’s Independent VAR Review Panel.
- “It’s like everyone is running around here [at Ibrox] like zombies and with their heads down, it’s not the case”: Sevco manager Philippe Clement on his Sevco side. Oops!!!
- James Forrest looking for a new contract for next season as he looks to add to the 24 trophies he’s won in 15 year.
- Reports: With a 30% sell-on clause, Celtic stand to make £15m as Chelsea and PSG consider offers of £50m for Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong. “Frimpong to […insert any mega rich club team name…]” has been a repeat stories for seasons now.
- Hearts sack their manager, Steven Naismith after a long brutal set of results.
- Celtic Women’s team: Vorskla Poltava 0-1 Celtic – Agnew’s fantastic finish gives Celtic the advantage in UWCL tie. Both legs being played in Airdrie, next leg is on Thursday.
Summary
“I’m seeing what I want to see in the team, and it’s about building on that and building a really successful team.”
Brendan Rodgers pre match
“Don’t use that word! When that gets said, everyone chases you even more – I don’t need that.”
Brendan Rodgers on preparing to face former colleague John McGlynn and the “genius” praise from the Falkirk boss ahead of Sunday’s League Cup match
“This is what the best teams do.”
Adam Idah
Flinchy of KDS:
First of all, full credit to Falkirk coming to us and playing their game. They played some good football and were deserving of their lead first half. They play nicer stuff than a lot of teams already in the Premiership.
Kühn made the difference in the second half but Bernardo was decent for the full game without much help from his midfield partners. As exciting as it is to have players like them coming through this season and adding talent like Engels that can make an immediate impact, it’s depressing to see guys we’ve clung on to for exactly games like this (Welsh, Ralston, Palma…) be essentially useless. You’re telling me Welsh is a better option than Nawrocki? Aside from being marginally less injury-prone, I can’t see it.
Trusty definitely has work to do to convince defensively, but he’s a quicker passer of the ball than Scales (although he shat himself a bit after the first goal). Valle looks like he could be useful but was ragdolled at times today with the obvious need for game time. Adam Idah is a goalscorer, but don’t ask him to get involved in one-touch build-up play. Least effective Forrest and McGregor have been for a while. Reo did what Reo does most often, and Yang was fine.
We’re into the semis, we fully rested AJ, CCV, Scales, Daizen and Kyogo. Only half an hour for Kühn, Engels and Taylor, scored five good goals and got no injuries. Target achieved.
TheBoneMan of KDS:
Cracking match to watch and plenty to learn from it.
My first observation was that the second string players absolutely need some game time to get up to snuff, but not all at once. That was a disastrous idea.
As has been mentioned repeatedly previously, Welsh and Ralston just aren’t up to it.
Palma has been likened to a square peg. BR gets paid a fair whack to make such square pegs a bit more round and with some hefty sand paper and effort, I think Palma could do a job if his thinking could be adjusted to more fit the style of the team.
Valle and Trusty can’t be judged on that performance in all honesty. I reckon anyone anywhere in a back four with Welsh in it is going to be on edge.
Engels, Bernardo and Kuhn are pretty much worth their weight in gold in my book.
Falkirk played a smashing game and gave me a bit of a scare. It’s be awesome to have more of that style of play in the top tier. Fingers crossed they come up next season.
Everything Celtic: Nicolas Kuhn – In his first full season as a Celtic player Nicolas Kuhn is currently averaging a goal contribution every 44 minutes
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 K. Schmeichel
11 Álex Valle, subbed for G. Taylor at 61mins
06 A. Trusty
57 S. Welsh, subbed for M. Nawrocki at 85mins
56 A. Ralston
41 R. Hatate, subbed for A. Engels at 60mins
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain
28 Paulo Bernardo
07 L. Palma, subbed for Yang Hyun-Jun at 60mins
09 A. Idah
49 J. Forrest, subbed for N. Kühn at 61mins
Subs:
29 S. Bain
63 C. Donovan
27 A. Engels
08 K. Furuhashi
15 O. Holm
10 N. Kühn
17 M. Nawrocki
03 G. Taylor
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
Paulo Bernardo (21′)
A. Idah (70′, 72′)
N. Kühn (81′, 84′)
Assists:
Álex Valle (21′), N. Kühn (70′, 72′), A. Engels (81′)
Falkirk
Manager: John McGlynn
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 N. Hogarth
26 S. Mackie 77′, Yellow Card at 77mins
05 L. Henderson
06 C. Donaldson (c), Captain
20 K. Adams
21 D. Tait 73′, Yellow Card at 73mins
02 F. Yeats, subbed for M. McKenna at 67mins
08 B. Spencer
29 C. Miller
09 R. MacIver, subbed for G. Oliver at 55mins
11 A. Agyeman, substituted for E. Ross at 75 minutes
Subs:
22 L. Graham
27 O. Hayward
34 F. McCafferty
03 L. McCann
35 C. McCrone
14 M. McKenna 90′, Red Card at 90 minutes
18 G. Oliver
23 E. Ross
12 J. Sneddon
Goals:
R. MacIver (11′)
F. Yeats (45’+1)
Assists: A. Agyeman (45’+1)
Referee Calum Scott
Video Assistant Referee Andrew Dallas
Match Officials
Assistant Referee 1 Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee 2 David Dunne
Assistant VAR Official Andrew McWilliam
Att: 42,960
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
Celtic 63% Falkirk 37%
Shots
Celtic 16 Falkirk 6
Shots on target
Celtic 10 Falkirk 4
Shots off target
Celtic 3 Falkirk 2
Blocked shots
Celtic 3 Falkirk 0
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 2 Falkirk 5
Fouls
Celtic 13 Falkirk 11
Corners
Celtic 10 Falkirk 2
Articles
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic’s toughest test so far, ‘crash course’ debutant and injury updates on missing duo
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/brendan-rodgers-on-celtics-toughest-test-so-far-crash-course-debutant-and-injury-updates-on-missing-duo-4792345?cx_testId=5&cx_testVariant=cx_undefined&cx_artPos=0&cx_experienceId=EX2NAIW0WFIR&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendationsK080OZDSLLXE8#cxrecs_s
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Comments
Published 22nd Sep 2024, 20:02 BST
Celtic manager has say on 5-2 cup win over Falkirk
Celtic have faced Rangers, Hibs and the champions of Slovakia this season but it was Scottish Championship side Falkirk who posed their toughest test to date.
That was according to manager Brendan Rodgers who took responsibility for a disjointed first hour after making eight changes to his side from Wednesday’s impressive 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
Falkirk led at Celtic Park approaching the final 20 minutes but substitute Nicolas Kuhn produced two assists for Adam Idah and two goals himself as the Hoops set up a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Strikes from Ross MacIver and Finn Yeats meant Falkirk scored as many goals in 45 minutes as Celtic’s previous seven opponents had managed in 630 minutes of action with only Hibernian and Slovan Bratislava finding the net. John McGlynn’s William Hill Championship leaders deserved their lead and were comfortable until after Rodgers brought on Kuhn, Greg Taylor, Yang Hyun-jun and Arne Engels on the hour mark.
When asked if Falkirk proved their toughest test yet, Rodgers, whose side beat Rangers 3-0 earlier this month, said: “Yes, I thought Falkirk were excellent. I was expecting it, to be fair, which is why we tried to freshen the team up, because they give good energy and move the ball well, so they work you.
“It was a little bit disconnected for the first 60 minutes, and that’s on me, it’s not on the players. When you make eight changes like that… I wanted to get some players in and play in the stadium, get in their first minutes of the season, playing with the team.
“In some moments, we looked good, and in other moments, there was just that little bit of hesitancy. That comes from just not playing so much. But we knew we always had the bench to pull on if we needed it, especially in that last 30 minutes where Falkirk put so much into the game, and then the energy can maybe just start to get sucked a wee bit.
“We could then put some speed and tempo and rhythm into the game, and by the end, we were very good. It’s a huge credit to John, his players and his staff, because I had a real joy analysing them and seeing how they play, and seeing how they commit to attacking football.
“I really wish and hope that they can go on and get promoted, because they play a fantastic style.”
One of the players Rodgers brought in was debutant Alex Valle, the 20-year-old on-loan Barcelona left-back, who was outmuscled by Alfie Agyeman before both goals. Rodgers admitted they were a “wee bit soft” in the lead-up to Yeats’ headed goal and that Valle will learn a valuable lesson.
He said: “It’s a crash course in British football, isn’t it? You might get (a free-kick) in Spain, but you certainly won’t get it in Britain. He’ll learn that, and he’s a good kid. He’s only young. He’s settled in really, really well into the city, into the club, and he’s there for us when he’s needed.”
Rodgers left both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston out of his squad because of injury problems.
“Cam has been suffering a wee bit with his metatarsal, below his big toe,” he said, “He’s got a little bit sore, obviously playing back-to-back games so we’ll just assess that. Ali will be fine. He’s had a bit of an issue around his back, so he was having an injection but he’ll train Tuesday and Wednesday and be absolutely fine.”
McGlynn felt his team had done themselves and their fans proud.
“It speaks volumes for our team that we could come here and score two goals and Calvin Miller had a decent shot as well. We caused one or two problems.
“Bringing on the subs was a big thing in the game, four players coming on of that calibre. Our guys slightly get a little bit tired, which was only going to happen because obviously we worked so hard to stay in the game and to get in front in the game.
“And of course playing against a team like Celtic, a big park out there, their legs were probably going to end up coming off a little bit and I think that’s what happened. Celtic exposed us with the way they play and fair play to them but no criticism in any way from myself to these guys.”
What Brendan Rodgers said in the Falkirk dressing room after cup-tie
By Editor 22 September, 2024 No Comments
What Brendan Rodgers said in the Falkirk dressing room after cup-tie
Brendan Rodgers explained why he went into the Falkirk dressing room and revealed what he said to John McGlynn’s players after their impressive performance at Celtic Park against the Scottish Champions…
Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 4-2 lead. Celtic v Falkirk, Premier Sports Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, , 22 September 2024. Photo:Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
The Bairns showed no fear and took the game to Celtic, earning a 2-1 interval lead before Celtic’s quality from the bench turned the game around to give Celtic a 5-2 victory…
Q: Is that the toughest test you have had so far this season?
Brendan Rodgers: “I thought Falkirk were excellent. I was expecting it to be fair and it is why I tried to freshen the team up. They had good energy, they moved the ball well and they worked us.
“It was a little bit disconnected for the first 60 minutes and that is on me. It is not on the players when you make eight changes like that. I wanted to get some players in and get that feeling of playing in this stadium and getting them minutes and playing in the team.
Nicolas Kuhn celebrates with Paulo Bernardo, Arne Engels & Adam Idah after scoring to give Celtic a 4-2 lead. Celtic v Falkirk, Premier Sports Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, 22 Sep 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
“In some moments we looked good and in some others there was hesitancy and that comes from not playing so much. We knew we always had the bench to throw players on, especially in the last 30 minutes. Falkirk put so much into the game and their energy maybe got sapped a wee bit.
“We put some speed, tempo and rhythm into the game and by the end we were very good. Huge credit to John (McGlynn), his staff and his players. I had real joy analysing them, how they play and how they commit to attacking football. I hope they can go on and get promoted because they play a fantastic style.”
Q: Is that a reminder to some players who haven’t been at the club that it is a real juggling act with Champions League and domestic football?
Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, I think it is especially when you come off a high moment. Being a Celtic player is all about the attitude. The attitude of the next game. I can’t fault the attitude of the players and the ones that have played in the first period. The attitude was great, there was just a little bit of disconnection there that was totally natural.
“It shows you then that the attitude to finish the game the way they did was superb. You are playing a League Cup quarter-final which is the third game in a week which has been great for us. We have played in the Champions League and we are scoring goals, playing attacking football and being creative. We finished it off with a team that we were going to need energy against because they played very well.”
Q: Was that the toughest game of the season so far?
Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, I told John that afterwards. You can see the confidence they have from getting promoted. They have come into this season and won five out of five and they are playing well and they trust their ability. They have got some players with a good profile in key areas.
“They have wingers who are fast and they have good technicians in the midfield who want to take the ball. The goalkeeper wants to build the game so they come through the phases well. They scored two good goals.
“The first goal comes from the fact that normally our line would be up and be connected but we were a fraction deeper which allowed the striker to get a shot in and it was a really good finish. The second goal was just before half-time and the guy finished it well. We were a bit soft in the far corner and they ended up crossing the ball over and the guy scored it well.
“I said to them at half-time that we had work to do. I have real confidence in this group of players that they have that mentality and the resilience that when they are suffering in the game they can pull themselves through and by the end, they were very good.”
Q: Nicolas Kuhn with two goals and two assists, made a great impact didn’t he?
Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, he was the man of the match in 30 minutes which is quite nice. He was fantastic when he came into the game. He is developing into a really good player. He has been effective and it was his press without the ball that led to the third goal.
“He was there to win the ball from the full-back after setting up the equaliser and helped us get the third. His two finishes are two different types and one was a good strike into the bottom corner. For the other one he had time to think so does he take it around the goalkeeper or does he dink it? He finished it really well. It is what we want from our attacking players. We want them to create goals and score goals and he did that.”
Q: How do you view juggling the Champions League and domestic scene by not making too many changes from game to game?
Brendan Rodgers: “That is the most changes I will ever make. Normally I would make one change per line. The back line or the midfield or front line. If you look at my history as a coach I wouldn’t normally make so many but that’s the risk you take. I was happy to take the risk.
“The players have worked really hard and they’ll benefit from that. Alex Valle played an hour, Auston Trusty played 90 minutes, Stephen Welsh got game time, Tony Ralston came in and played and Luis Palma got some game time. You always weigh it up but it worked out well for us in the end.”
Q: How do you assess Trusty and Valle’s performances?
Brendan Rodgers: “They’re coming into a complex system and that’s why we didn’t throw them in straight away – they’ve come in with hardly any training. Now they’re up to speed a little bit and they understand how we want to work, how we play and the movement patterns. I thought it was a good game to introduce them to.”
Q: Was that a crash course in the physicality of Scottish football for Valle?
Brendan Rodgers: “100 per cent. You might get that in Spain, but you won’t get that in Britain unless it’s a foul. He’ll learn that – he’s a good kid and he’s only young. He’s settled in really well into the city and the club. He’s there for us when he’s needed.”
Q: Are you looking forward to facing Aberdeen after getting them in the draw?
Brendan Rodgers:“Very much so. It’s always important to get there, and I have a good feeling about us on that big pitch. Aberdeen have clearly started the season very well in terms of results. I haven’t seen them so much in terms of performance and how they play and shape up – we’ll do that nearer the time. We play them just after the international break then we’ll play them again in the cup. When you get to the semi-final stage, you’ll be up against good teams and you’ve got to do your work. We’ll look forward to that when it comes.”
Q: You said pre-match that Carter-Vickers and Johnston had injuries. How are they for next weekend’s game?
Brendan Rodgers: “We’ll see with Cameron. He has been suffering a wee bit with his metatarsal and his big toe. We gave it a little period a few weeks back and he was okay. It’s got a little bit sore – playing back-to-back games – which is why we’ve given him today free. We’ll just assess that later in the week. Alistair will be fine, he just had a bit of an issue around his back and had an injection, which meant he would miss this game. He’ll train Tuesday-Wednesday and be absolutely fine.”
Q: Did Falkirk’s performance teach other Scottish teams how they should play against Celtic?
Brendan Rodgers: “It’s all mindset. John and his staff clearly have that mindset to play attacking, aggressive football. You see the rewards of that. It’s okay saying it, but you have to believe in it, and when you’re stood on the side of a pitch when the pressure is on, that’s when you believe in it.
“I just think he left Celtic and did the same thing at Raith, and played an attacking style of football – one that he did really well with them. He’s gone into Falkirk and you can see the confidence they have surrounding the way they play. They came here to play with no fear, which was fantastic. It’s hard to tell people how to play, you have to believe in it and train it. There’s no right or wrong way, but certainly, I think the supporters enjoy watching cracking games of football – seven goals today.”
Q: John mentioned that you went into the Falkirk dressing room. What did you say?
Brendan Rodgers: “It was just to wish them all the best and congratulate them on their performance. Sometimes at 5-2, you can be disappointed. Playing at Celtic Park can be a daunting experience for a player, so I reinforced the point and wished them all the very best for the rest of the season. If they stick to their principles, then I’m pretty sure they’ll be back in the Scottish Premiership again. It was no more than offering them congratulations.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cx2kwnd5klwt#Report
George O’Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic came from behind twice against Championship club Falkirk to survive a scare and set up a Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Two goals in under three second-half minutes from striker Adam Idah proved decisive after a previously sloppy performance from Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Championship leaders Falkirk already had two top-flight scalps in this competition and played with confidence in the opening stages, taking the game to Celtic.
Goals from Ross MacIver and Finn Yeats – either side of Paulo Bernardo’s volley – gave John McGlynn’s side a deserved half-time lead.
Rodgers made changes in the second half and the quality of his substitutes showed, as Nicolas Kuhn set up Idah twice, before scoring two of his own.
Michael McKenna was sent off late on for Falkirk as they were left to rue what might have been.
In the other semi-final, holders Rangers will face Motherwell. Both ties are to take place on the weekend of 2-3 November.
Get the latest Celtic news and analysis on our dedicated page
Celtic’s fringe players flatter to deceive but quality tells
Rodgers made eight changes to the side that swept aside Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, but it resulted in a disjointed first-half display.
The back four in particular were very shaky. Pacey forward Alfredo Agyeman got in behind new-look centre-back pairing Stephen Welsh and Auston Trusty with alarming ease, while Barcelona loanee Alex Valle made his debut at left-back and was questionable for both Falkirk goals.
In forward areas, Luis Palma struggled to have any real influence, constantly cutting inside on to his right foot instead of hitting the byeline, and his final ball was lacking.
The Celtic manager’s displeasure was demonstrated by a quadruple substitution on the hour mark, with big-money signing Arne Engels introduced alongside Greg Taylor, Kuhn and Yang Hyun-Jun.
It had the desired effect as Celtic began to pin Falkirk in their own half and pop the ball about with confidence.
A rasping shot from Yang stung Nicky Hogarth’s palms in the Falkirk goal, and not long after, Idah tapped home Kuhn’s cross to level the scores.
Straight from kick-off, Celtic pinched possession high up the pitch and Kuhn fed Idah again. The Republic of Ireland international bullied his way past two would-be tacklers and swept beyond Hogarth to give Celtic the lead for the first time.
Kuhn has shone this season and he took his two goals superbly, dinking calmly over Hogarth after a well-weighted Engels through ball, before lashing in Celtic’s fifth from the edge of the box.
Rodgers will be delighted to reach Hampden having gone 2-1 behind, and will be pleased with the way things came together in the closing stages.
However, some underwhelming displays from fringe members of his squad will have raised question marks over their suitability for games against higher-profile opposition.
Falkirk show top-flight credentials
Having taken the League 1 title at a canter last season, and won their first five league games this season, Falkirk came to Celtic Park sensing a monumental upset was on the cards.
They played Celtic at their own game in the first half, pressing high, passing out from the back and zipping the ball about with a real verve.
MacIver led the line wonderfully before being forced off through injury, and his strike to open the scoring will live long in the memory for the significant away support that travelled to Glasgow.
Agyeman was a constant threat with his runs in behind, and it was his pinpoint cross to the back post that Yeats nodded home to restore Falkirk’s lead.
Yes, they tired and were eventually overwhelmed by Celtic’s quality off the bench, but this performance will give McGlynn real belief his side have what it takes to secure back-to-back promotions.
What the manager said
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told Premier Sports: “It’s always a risk making changes. You could see that connection wasn’t quite there for the first hour.
“If there’s any blame on the first hour, it’s on me. I make the changes. Falkirk were aggressive and pressed us really well. Full credit to them.
“Looking at the Aberdeen results, they’ve been excellent. When it comes round, it will be a good game.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn: “I’m so proud of our guys and they can take a lot of plaudits from the game.
“We’ve got to take the positives. The players need to take inspiration from being here and want to be here more often.”
Cheeriopublished at 17:38 British Summer Time
17:38 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
We’ll call it a day here.
Okay, Celtic made a lot of changes but Falkirk gave the champions a stern test before being overpowered in the latter stages.
Celtic’s reward? A League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Rangers and Motherwell meet in the other semi.
Catch you next time…
Postpublished at 17:32 British Summer Time
17:32 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
John McGlynn then batted away a question about a possible return to Hearts, who are now looking for a new manager.
“I’m happy where I am right now,” he said.
McGlynn ‘so proud’ of Falkirk effortpublished at 17:29 British Summer Time
17:29 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Falkirk were clapped off by both sets of supporters and manager John McGlynn told BBC Scotland: “I’m so proud of our guys and they can take a lot of plaudits from the game.
“We’ve got to take the positives. The players need to take inspiration from being here and want to be here more often.”
John McGlynn congratulates the Celtic players at full-timeImage source, SNS
Image caption,
John McGlynn congratulates the Celtic players at full-time
‘Any blame on me’ – Rodgerspublished at 17:25 British Summer Time
17:25 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
“If there’s any blame on the first hour, it’s on me,” adds Brendan Rodgers. “I make the changes.
“It’s a challenge for the guys coming in and I thought they gave everything.
“The players show a real hunger to work hard.”
Postpublished at 17:21 British Summer Time
17:21 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
More from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, this time talking to BBC Scotland.
“They objective is to get to there (the semi-finals) and it doesn’t really matter who you play.
“Looking at the Aberdeen results, they’ve been excellent. When it comes round, it will be a good game.”
‘Connection wasn’t quite there’published at 17:16 British Summer Time
17:16 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
“It’s always a risk making changes,” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells Premier Sports. “You could see that connection wasn’t quite there for the first hour.
“Falkirk were aggressive and pressed us really well. Full credit to them.
“We’ve had a fantastic week in three different competitions.”
League Cup semi-finalspublished at 17:09 British Summer Time
17:09 BST
Celtic v Aberdeen
Motherwell v Rangers
Those ties will be played on 2/3 November at Hampden Park.
It’s draw time!published at 17:08 British Summer Time
17:08 BST
This shouldn’t take long…
Former Hibs and Livingston midfielder Marvin Bartley is doing the honours.
Player of the match wrapped up in 20 minutespublished at 17:05 British Summer Time
17:05 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
They say every day is a school day, even a Sunday. So what did we learn from this game?
The introduction of Nicolas Kuhn was a game-changer. In short shrift, two assists, two goals, and any jeopardy in the game completely vanished. Voted man of the match for a 20-minute cameo.
The class of new £11m man Arne Engels was key, too.
Adam Idah was clinical with his finishing, with Kyogo given a rest.
Nicolas Kuhn made a huge impact from the benchImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:03 British Summer Time
17:03 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
As for Celtic, the fringe players made heavy weather of things before the cavalry arrived from the bench and a few of the more experienced heads had an off day.
Eight changes was a gamble, but it paid off in the end.
Postpublished at 16:59 British Summer Time
16:59 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Falkirk can take real confidence from the first 70 minutes as they plot a return to the top flight. Throughout the first half they were lively in attack and very good at turning over possession.
They defended with discipline and guts until Celtic found their second equaliser and then the roof fell in as legs and minds tired.
Postpublished at 16:55 British Summer Time
16:55 BST
FT: Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
So, it’s Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Motherwell in the hat.
Hang around for the draw.
FULL-TIME Celtic 5-2 Falkirkpublished at 90+2 mins
90+2 mins
Celtic survive a scare to secure their passage to the League Cup semi-finals.
Falkirk were 2-1 up with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining but were blown away by a late flurry of goals.
Celtic recovered to beat FalkirkImage source, SNS
RED CARDpublished at 90 mins
90 mins
Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Falkirk must play a couple of stoppage-time minutes with 10 men as Michael McKenna catches Anthony Ralston with a high boot.
Rash and dangerous.
Postpublished at 89 mins
89 mins
Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Almost a sixth for Celtic as Paulo Bernardo tries to poke the ball beyond Nicky Hogarth but the keeper does well to stand tall and block.
Colossal Kuhnpublished at 16:46 British Summer Time
16:46 BST
Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
What an impact from second-half sub Nicolas Kuhn! Two assists and two goals in about 15 minutes…
A fair few weren’t too convinced by the German when he joined in January. He’s blown those doubts out of the water now with fine contributions in all competitions so far this season.
The game-changer, here, without question.
Nicolas Kuhn scores for CelticImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 86 mins
86 mins
Celtic 5-2 Falkirk
Dylan Tait tries to reduce the deficit as he takes aim from near the penalty spot but the shot is too close to Kasper Schmeichel.
goal
GOAL Celtic 5-2 Falkirkpublished at 84 mins
84 mins
Nicolas Kuhn
It’s harsh on Falkirk but Celtic have really gone through the gears since the substitutes were introduced.
The ball falls to Nicolas Kuhn at the edge of the box and he drills it inside the post.
Celtic goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
GREAT SAVE!published at 83 mins
83 mins
Celtic 4-2 Falkirk
Falkirk are wilting now and Nicky Hogarth blocks a shot from Paulo Bernardo to prevent them falling further behind.
goal
GOAL Celtic 4-2 Falkirkpublished at 80 mins
80 mins
Nicolas Kuhn
Game over now, surely?
Arne Engels picks out the run of Nicolas Kuhn with a smart pass and the winger races up the middle before dinking a cute finish over the advancing goalie.
Postpublished at 78 mins
78 mins
Celtic 3-2 Falkirk
Falkirk are still buzzing around gamely but Celtic are moving more fluently now.
Wingers Kuhn and Yang have made a good impact.
Big shift in atmospherepublished at 16:34 British Summer Time
16:34 BST
Celtic 3-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Goodness me. Most of Falkirk’s great work has been completely undone by a quickfire, deadly double from Adam Idah.
Quite the impact, too, from substitute Nicolas Kuhn, heavily involved in both goals.
Now all the noise is from a rejuvenated home support who sense a spot in the semis.
Adam Idah is on target for CelticImage source, SNS
‘Missed tackles costly for Falkirk’published at 16:32 British Summer Time
16:32 BST
Celtic 3-2 Falkirk
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
That was two missed tackles after Falkirk get caught on the ball in midfield.
Idah uses his pace and strength to get in on goal and then he has the finish.
goal
GOAL Celtic 3-2 Falkirkpublished at 72 mins
72 mins
Adam Idah
Two goals in two minutes turn this game on its head.
It’s a Nicolas Kuhn – Adam Idah combination again – from the right this time.
Idah is too strong for a couple of defenders and slots a shot past Nicky Hogarth.
Celtic goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
goal
GOAL Celtic 2-2 Falkirkpublished at 70 mins
70 mins
Adam Idah
A well-worked goal as Anthony Ralston slips in Nicolas Kuhn and the German winger squares for Adam Idah to tap home.
A pause for VAR to check a possible offside, but the goal stands.
Celtic goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
Postpublished at 68 mins
68 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Yang cuts in from the left, zig-zagging a long way before unleashing a fierce shot, which is beaten away by Falkirk keeper Nicky Hogarth.
Postpublished at 66 mins
66 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Finn Yeats can’t go on, which means Falkirk have lost both goalscorers to injuries.
Michael McKenna is the replacement.
Rodgers makes his movepublished at 16:23 British Summer Time
16:23 BST
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Little surprise that four Celtic players are hooked after an unimpressive first hour from the home side.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to make eight changes does not look like a good one, as things stand. Unless his new men can spark a comeback, the champions are heading out of the League Cup to lower level opposition. Can Falkirk summon up the stamina to survive?
Celtic boss Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 63 mins
63 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Another wayward free-kick from Falkirk, who are temporarily down to 10 after a knock to Finn Yeats. He’s going to be fine though.
Quadruple change for Celticpublished at 60 mins
60 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has seen enough.
Arne Engels, Greg Taylor, Yang Hyun-Jun and Nicolas Kuhn are the men coming on
Reo Hatate, Alex Valle, Luis Palma and James Forrest depart.
Postpublished at 58 mins
58 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Howls of frustration from the home fans as Falkirk keeper Nicky Hogarth has no trouble intercepting an aimless cross from Luis Palma.
Falkirk fans still banging the drumpublished at 16:14 British Summer Time
16:14 BST
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
There’s quite a noise coming from the Falkirk fans. Not sure how many of them would have thought they’d be leading the Scottish champions, on their own patch, 55 minutes into the game?
Postpublished at 55 mins
55 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Paulo Bernardo’s free-kick clips the defensive wall and flies over the top.
Postpublished at 53 mins
53 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
A free-kick to Celtic in the D of the penalty area as Adam Idah is hacked by Alfredo Agyeman.
Falkirk striker Ross MacIver is hurt and Gary Oliver is on as the home side wait to take the set-piece.
Postpublished at 50 mins
50 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Impressive work form Falkirk as they play their way out of a tight spot at the back with a series of first-time passes.
Postpublished at 48 mins
48 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Falkirk are sitting deep in a compact shape as Celtic try to find a bit more zip in attack.
KICK-OFFpublished at 16:04 British Summer Time
16:04 BST
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Here we go for the second half.
No changes in personnel.
Postpublished at 15:58 British Summer Time
15:58 BST
HT: Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Kasper Schmeichel had only conceded twice in his first seven Celtic outings…
Finn Yeats celebrates restoring Falkirk’s shock leadImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 15:55 British Summer Time
15:55 BST
HT: Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Back to earth with a bump for Celtic after the euphoria of Wednesday’s Champions League victory…
The fringe players have not impressed against this feisty Falkirk side.
‘Celtic defence struggling’published at 15:52 British Summer Time
15:52 BST
HT: Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Remember those Celtic subs I was talking about? Now that home boss Brendan Rodgers finds himself behind at the interval, expect a few changes to come.
This Celtic defence has struggled to cope with Falkirk’s front men and there’s been a lack of cutting edge up front from the home side too.
‘In behind Celtic defence again’published at 15:50 British Summer Time
15:50 BST
HT: Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
In behind the Celtic defence again, and it’s a lovely ball to the back post.
There’s no-one with Yeats and he has time to steady himself and get the header back across Schmeichel into the side netting.
Really good goal, you have to say.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 45+2 mins
45+2 mins
Celtic 1-2 Falkirk
A shock scoreline, but it’s no stretch to say Falkirk are fully deserving of their lead.
Falkirk took a shock lead at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
goal
GOAL Celtic 1-2 Falkrikpublished at 45 mins
45 mins
Finn Yeats
They’ve done it again!
Alfredo Agyeman has all day to pick out a cross from the right and Finn Yeats is all alone with so much time to pick his spot with a firm, downward header.
Falkirk goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
Postpublished at 44 mins
44 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Not for the first time today, Reo Hatate is caught dawdling on the ball and Falkirk try to spring another attack.
‘Celtic subs prowling’published at 15:43 British Summer Time
15:43 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Greg Taylor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn have all just retaken their seats on the Celtic bench after a warm-up behind Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.
They probably thought they’d have an afternoon off. As things stand, they may well be required at some stage.
Postpublished at 41 mins
41 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Now a Falkirk corner comes to nothing as the ref spots a clumsy challenge.
The Championship side will be frustrated by these recent set-plays.
Postpublished at 39 mins
39 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Another chance for Falkirk to get forward as they win a free-kick deep in Celtic territory but the delivery is too close to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who gathers with ease.
‘Falkirk pressing like Celtic’published at 15:37 British Summer Time
15:37 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Great energy, organisation and a fully committed press. Sound familiar? Falkirk are doing a very good impression of Celtic here and are well worth a share of the spoils thus far.
Postpublished at 34 mins
34 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Corner to Falkirk, but they can’t fashion a chance as the ball grazes the top of Coll Donaldson’s head.
Postpublished at 32 mins
32 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Callum McGregor smacks the base of the post with a shot from 20 yards, but an offside flag was already up.
Boom! Boom!published at 15:31 British Summer Time
15:31 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Two terrific hits at Celtic Park.
Ross MacIver goalImage source, SNS
Paulo Bernardo levels for CelticImage source, SNS
‘Falkirk not out of their depth’published at 15:29 British Summer Time
15:29 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
I’ve found this game fascinating.
Both teams want to play football and Falkirk don’t look out of their depth by any means.
Postpublished at 27 mins
27 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Adam Idah tries to muscle his way through the Falkirk defence but Liam Henderson does a good job of holding him up and that allows goalkeeper Nicky Hogarth to flop on the ball.
‘Game on’published at 15:26 British Summer Time
15:26 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Falkirk are fast and fluid on the break, organised and disciplined in midfield and defence.
But when a player volleys one into the top corner, there’s not a great deal you can do.
Terrific quality from Paulo Bernardo. Two excellent goals in the opening 20 minutes. Good cup tie, this.
Postpublished at 23 mins
23 mins
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Falkirk shrug off the disappointment of conceding and get forward again, with Finn Yeats prodding an awkward, looping shot wide from 18 yards.
‘Thunderous shot’published at 15:23 British Summer Time
15:23 BST
Celtic 1-1 Falkirk
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Really good play from Celtic.
Valle shows good awareness with the flick back to Bernardo and it’s a thunderous shot on the volley.
No chance for the keeper.
goal
GOAL Celtic 1-1 Falkirkpublished at 21 mins
21 mins
Paulo Bernardo
Another lovely goal.
Alex Valle atones for his role in the opener as he meets a lofted pass from Reo Hatate in the penalty area and flicks a clever header up for Paulo Bernardo, who thrashes in a sweet a volley.
Celtic goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
Postpublished at 15:21 British Summer Time
15:21 BST
Celtic 0-1 Falkirk
Celtic are looking a bit sluggish as they probe for an opening.
A corner offers some hope of an equaliser as Nicky Hogarth comes off his line and misses the ball altogether, but the visitors survive the scare.
‘Fortune favouring the brave’published at 15:18 British Summer Time
15:18 BST
Celtic 0-1 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Ross MacIver and Alfie Agyemang are both great options for Falkirk going forward. This Celtic back four has never played together before and look a little shaky as the Bairns pour forward.
It’s an outstanding start from the Championship co-leaders. How long can they sustain this?
Ross MacIver celebrates his goal at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 13 mins
13 mins
Celtic 0-1 Falkirk
Celtic are in trouble again as Alfredo Agyeman breaks forward only to scuff his angled shot well wide.
LIVE stream page 4
‘Falkirk fans go wild’published at 15:14 British Summer Time
15:14 BST
Celtic 0-1 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
There’s a true strike of a football. Ross MacIver, with the goal of his dreams, sends the Falkirk fans in the corner absolutely wild.
goal
GOAL Celtic 0-1 Falkirkpublished at 11 mins
11 mins
Ross MacIver
Wow!
Alex Valle’s clearing header is weak and Ross MacIver drills a fantastic strike beyond Kasper Schmeichel from just outside the penalty area.
Falkirk goal graphicImage source, BBC Sport
‘Fine start from Falkirk’published at 15:09 British Summer Time
15:09 BST
Celtic 0-0 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Falkirk have come to have a real go, already stringing a few confident passes together. Celtic look in the mood too.
This won’t be goalless for long.
GREAT SAVE!published at 4 mins
4 mins
Celtic 0-0 Falkirk
Falkirk goalie Nicky Hogarth is at full-stretch to tip the ball away as James Forrest digs out a chipped effort that looks like its floating into the corner of the net.
Valle’s impressive first touchpublished at 15:04 British Summer Time
15:04 BST
Celtic 0-0 Falkirk
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Alex Valle’s first involvement in a Celtic shirt? A bending pass with the outside of his foot which curved neatly into the path of Adam Idah. Had the striker’s touch been better, he’d have been clean in on goal.
Postpublished at 2 mins
2 mins
Celtic 0-0 Falkirk
Paulo Bernardo has a couple of efforts charged down as Celtic press for an early breakthrough.
KICK-OFFpublished at 15:01 British Summer Time
15:01 BST
Celtic 0-0 Falkirk
Away we go, with Falkirk in their away red shirts.
‘Healthy home turn-out’published at 15:00 British Summer Time
15:00 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
The home fans are here in good numbers too, with relatively few empty seats. Good to see for a national cup quarter-final.
With Motherwell, Rangers and Aberdeen already through, can a much-changed Celtic join them in the last four? Or can Falkirk fashion an almighty upset?
Both teams like to get the ball down and play so this should be entertaining.
Falkirk with ‘nothing to lose’published at 14:57 British Summer Time
14:57 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: “We know it’s not going to be easy, Celtic are flying right now.
“We’ll need to be at our best, and we’ll need to take take of the ball because their counter-press is so good.
“We don’t want to be pinned back, but that is often what happens here. It’s a tall order, but our guys have got so much credit in the bank that we’ve got nothing to lose today.
“We need to stay in the game for as long as we can. If the guys can make us proud, that will do.
“They have made eight changes, but they are all good players and they will want to impress.”
John McGlynnImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 14:53 British Summer Time
14:53 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
In the 12 meetings since that win over 17 years ago, Falkirk have lost 10 and drawn two against Celtic.
Falkirk fans in full voicepublished at 14:50 British Summer Time
14:50 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
The contingent of Falkirk fans is very noisy and one of the biggest domestic travelling supports I’ve seen at this ground lately.
Little wonder the Bairns are in bullish mood… Five wins out of five in the Championship – indeed they’ve not been beaten in the league for a further 38 games before that. Stretching back to 18 April 2023.
Megaphone at the ready…Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Megaphone at the ready…
Postpublished at 14:47 British Summer Time
14:47 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Incidentally, Kasper Schmeichel enjoyed saving a penalty from Craig Beattie in that 1-0 top flight victory over Celtic.
Kasper Schmeichel celebrates a win over Celtic in 2007Image source, SNS
Schmeichel back to the futurepublished at 14:44 British Summer Time
14:44 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Seventeen years ago, a fresh-faced 20-year-old Kasper Schmeichel played in goal for Falkirk against Celtic. And won 1-0.
It was March 2007, he was on a month loan with John Hughes’ team and it was the last time the Bairns beat the Parkhead side.
Fast forward to today and the veteran is one of only three home players to keep their place in the side, along with captain Callum McGregor and fellow midfielder Reo Hatate. How time flies, eh?
Kasper Schmeichel warming upImage source, SNS
Celtic make changes ‘out of respect for Falkirk’published at 14:41 British Summer Time
14:41 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Sportsound: “I’m always disappointed when any manager loses their job.
“For Steven [Naismith], he will learn from it. He had a wonderful career as a player. I had a similar experience when I was a young manager – I was very quickly out of the game after 20 games at Reading. It’s about how you respond.
“We have had to make some changes today. Some players are carrying niggles and we’ve got a strong squad.
“Cam [Carter-Vickers] is injured. We’ve been nursing him on a foot problem for a little while and Alistair [Johnston] had an injection to calm down some inflammation.
“I have also made changes out of respect for Falkirk. You can feel leggy [after European games] and I didn’t want that today.
“We know we will have to play well to get the result.”
Rodgers arrives at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 14:38 British Summer Time
14:38 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
The managers know each other well since John McGlynn worked as an analyst during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic.
Both men have been love-bombing each other via the media this week, with McGlynn describing Rodgers as a “genius”.
In return, Rodgers drew a comparison with the experienced Bairns boss and Atalanta’s Europa League-winning boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
We’ll hear from both men again soon.
Tait on top formpublished at 14:34 British Summer Time
14:34 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Dylan Tait scored in each of those wins over Dundee United and Hearts.
The 22-year-old midfielder has a couple of league goals as well and Hibs fans may be wondering why he never got a look in after his move from Raith Rovers three years ago.
Dylan TaitImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Dylan Tait has made a strong start to the season for Falkirk
Falkirk aim for hat-trick of upsetspublished at 14:30 British Summer Time
14:30 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Falkirk have already taken two Premiership scalps in the competition, beating Dundee United 2-0 in the first game of the group stage and repeating the trick against Hearts in the last round.
Both of those games were at the Falkirk Stadium.
‘Naismith had to go’published at 14:28 British Summer Time
14:28 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Allan Preston
Former Hearts defender on BBC Sportsound
I agree wholeheartedly that Steven Naismith had to go.
Eight straight defeats, out of the cup to a Championship club, continually losing goals from set-plays – it was relentless.
It simply wasn’t good enough. Last year they finished third but how much of that was Aberdeen not being up to speed?
Hearts sack head coach Naismithpublished at 14:26 British Summer Time
14:26 BST
Today’s big news is the sacking of Steven Naismith at Hearts.
Third place is looking like a bit of a curse now, with Barry Robson and Jack Ross also getting the chop in recent times soon after reaching those heights.
Eight defeats in a row… The news doesn’t really come as a big surprise.
Steven Naismith cut a forlorn figure in the St Mirren dugout yesterdayImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Naismith cut a forlorn figure in the St Mirren dugout yesterday
Bairns belting out the songspublished at 14:23 British Summer Time
14:23 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
The pocket of Falkirk fans are going to be vastly outnumbered but that’s not going to stop them making a right old racket…
LIVE stream page 5
One change for Falkirkpublished at 14:20 British Summer Time
14:20 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
The visitors bring in Finn Yeats for Gary Oliver in the only change from their 2-0 win over Airdrie last weekend.
Valle & Trusty start for Celticpublished at 14:17 British Summer Time
14:17 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
EIGHT changes for Celtic…
There’s a debut for left-back Alex Valle, on loan from Barcelona, and a first appearance of the season for centre-back Stephen Welsh.
Auston Trusty makes his first start alongside Welsh.
Auston TrustyImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Auston Trusty looks pleased to be playing this afternoon
LINE-UPS at Celtic Parkpublished at 14:13 British Summer Time
14:13 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Celtic: Schmeichel, Raltson, Welsh, Trusty, Valle, McGregor, Hatate, Bernardo, Forrest, Idah, Palma.
Substitutes: Bain, Taylor, Kyogo, Kuhn, Yang, Holm, Nawrocki, Engels, Donovan.
Falkirk: Hogarth, Henderson, Adams, Donaldson, Mackie, Yeats, Tait, Spencer, Agyeman, Miller, MacIver.
Substitutes: Sneddon, Hayward, McCann, McKenna, Oliver, Graham, Ross, McCafferty, McCrone.
Postpublished at 14:09 British Summer Time
14:09 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Along with Celtic and Aberdeen, Falkirk are the only other SPFL side with a 100% league record.
Five wins has them level on points with Ayr United at the top of the Championship, with two games in hand.
Postpublished at 14:07 British Summer Time
14:07 BST
Celtic v Falkirk (15:00)
Celtic’s fabulous start to the season continued with Wednesday’s demolition of Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, making it seven wins from seven in all competitions.
Celtic Park is likely to be a bit quieter this afternoon, given the more prosaic nature of the contest.
The challenge for the hosts is to maintain their standards and energy.
Last semi-final spot at stakepublished at 14:02 British Summer Time
14:02 BST
Rangers, Aberdeen and Motherwell are safely through to the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, so who will join them?
Celtic are overwhelming favourites to see off Falkirk in Glasgow but the Championship high-flyers might just fancy their chances of a major upset.