An electric performance from Celtic saw them breeze through to the final of the Scottish Cup as they bulldozed St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park.
Despite the game starting fairly even, a fine strike from Callum McGregor (34) opened the floodgates for the holders, with goals from Daizen Maeda (37, 45+1) and Adam Idah (45) blowing away St Johnstone before the half-time break.
Makenzie Kirk saw a stunning long-range drive ruled out early in the second-half for a foul in the build up as Simo Valakari’s side endured the grimmest of afternoons in Glasgow, before substitute Jota rubbed salt into wounds by slamming home Celtic’s fifth (67) in a game that was effectively dead by the time the second period had even began.
St Johnstone now return to Scottish Premiership action as they look to stave off a relegation to the second tier, but for Celtic, it’s full steam ahead in their quest for a domestic treble. They’ll face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup back at Hampden Park on Saturday 24 May.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each player in Celtic’s 5-0 win over St Johnstone at Hampden Park:
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) - 7/10
Bar one moment early on, his won the battle with Adama Sidibeh with consummate ease. Will be playing in another final come May. | PA Photo: PA
6. Daniels Balodis (St Johnstone) - 5/10
Good early block from Engels as the Saints started well, but struggled with Adam Idah thereafter. A stark contrast to his last appearance against Celtic. | SNS Group
7. Liam Scales (Celtic) - 8/10
Won plenty in the air, and was rarely troubled. His pass that led to the third was outstanding. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Sven Sprangler (St Johnstone) - 6/10
Incredible last ditch tackle stopped Idah from slamming home on 25 minutes, but it was in vain. The best of the St Johnstone back four, but not a day he'll remember fondly. | SNS Group