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:
17. James Forrest (Celtic) - 8/10
A bright spark. Went close with a mazy run and caused lots of problems from St Johnstone. May be a veteran, but still plays with all the vivacity of an up-and-coming youngster. Top pro. | PA Photo: PA
18. Stephen Duke-McKenna (St Johnstone) - 5/10
Struggled with Celtic's irresistible left-hand side. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
19. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) - 9/10
A constant menace. Quite simply the league's most outstanding player on current form, and someone Brendan Rodgers can hang his hat on consistently. Dynamite. | SNS Group
20. Nicky Clark (St Johnstone) - 3/10
Ineffective and taken off at the break. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group