Celtic 2 Rangers 0: Scott Sinclair penalty and Callum McGregor strike book Bhoys Scottish Cup final as Rod Stewart watches on
SCOTT SINCLAIR’S penalty and a Callum McGregor strike booked Celtic’s spot in the Scottish Cup final after another Old Firm win.
Moussa Dembele’s class takedown and pass set up McGregor 11 minutes in before ex-Man City star Sinclair doubled the lead after the break to keep alive the Bhoys’ hopes of a Treble.
Callum McGregor celebrates after giving Celtic the lead against RangersPA:Press AssociationScott Sinclair smashed in the penalty to put Celtic two clearGetty Images
Players wore black armbands in honour of the late Ugo Ehiogu, who scored an astonishing overhead kick in the Old Firm during his Rangers days in 2007.
But there was no love lost between the bitter rivals and Andy Halliday was lucky not be sent off when he went flying in with both feet on Patrick Roberts barely two minutes in.
He played advantage and McGregor burst down the right before cutting in and having his shot from the top of the box saved by keeper Wes Foderingham.
It was a superb takedown and lay off from Moussa Dembele that set up Callum McGregorPA:Press AssociationThe challenges were flying in as expected in the Old Firm derbyRex FeaturesScott Sinclair celebrates scoring the penalty that booked Celtic’s spot in the Scottish Cup finalGetty Images
Then Stuart Armstrong curled one just outside the right post nine minutes in.
McGregor had more luck 11 minutes in when a long ball brought down brilliantly by Moussa Dembele was laid off to the midfielder who side-footed in from outside the box.
But Brendan Rodgers was dealt a blow when top scorer Dembele was forced off injured after appearing to pull his hamstring at the 27-minute mark.
Kenny Miller came the closest for Rangers but his half-volley five minutes from the break flew miles over.
Moussa Dembele was forced off for Celtic in the first half but it made no difference to the outcomeReutersBrendan Rodgers was understandably chuffed with how his side playedGetty ImagesRod Stewart was on hand to see his beloved Celtic book their spot in the finalPA:Press Association
Leigh Griffiths replaced Dembele and it was in the 50th minute when he was brought down in the box by James Tavernier.
Referee Willie Collum pointed to the spot.
Scott Sinclair smashed it down the left with Foderingham getting a touch but he could only press it onto the post as Sinclair notched his 24th goal of the season.
It was just two minutes later when Griffiths forced Foderingham into tipping his strike over the bar and Dedryck Boyata put his header from the follow-up corner just over.
Kenny Miller endured a frustrating afternoon at HampdenReuters
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It took 54 minutes for Rangers to register a shot on target.
Miller then rose highest in the 62nd minute but his header was saved by Craig Gordon.
Rangers did threaten again late on but Martyn Waghorn was deemed offside after lashing a close-range effort wide.
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