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:
9. Greg Taylor (Celtic) - 7/10
Supported Daizen Maeda well, and had nothing to do defensively. A great servant for Celtic. If it is to be his final season in the green and white hoops. he now has the chance to sign off with a treble in May. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Barry Douglas (St Johnstone) - 3/10
His poor clearance led to the opening goal, and he will be disappointed that he couldn't close down McGregor. Taken off at half-time. | PA Photo: PA
11. Callum McGregor (Celtic) - 9/10
Saw plenty of the ball. Tested the goalkeeper with a good early strike. Took his goal really well, and opened the floodgates. The key to everything good that Celtic did, yet again. | PA Photo: PA
12. Graham Carey (St Johnstone) - 4/10
Failed to impact the game at all, with Celtic's midfielder dominant. | PA