15.08.2021 18:39 h

Celtic gain revenge on Hearts

Celtic avenged their defeat to Hearts in Ange Postecoglou's first league match in charge with a 3-2 victory to reach the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

In front of a full house at Celtic Park, Postecoglou's decision to pair Odsonne Edouard and Kyogo Furuhashi in attack paid off as both scored.

Edouard has lost his place in the side to the Japanese international in recent matches with speculation continuing to link him with a move to the Premier League before the end of this month's transfer window.

But the Frenchman looked more engaged as finished off a slick attack to open the floodgates in the 29th minute.

Furuhashi's pass picked out James Forrest and, from his cross, Edouard had the simple task to tap home.

Edouard then turned provider for the second goal as his cross was powered home by Stephen Welsh.

However, Celtic's defensive problems in the early days of Postecoglou's reign were also in evidence after the break.

Liam Boyce beat Joe Hart from the penalty spot after Carl Starfelt tripped the Northern Irish striker inside the box.

Furuhashi quickly made it five goals in five appearances since his move from Vissel Kobe to restore Celtic's two-goal lead.

Aaron McEneff pulled another goal back deep into stoppage time, but it was too little, too late for the Jambos.

Celtic will face Raith Rovers in the last eight after they shocked Aberdeen 2-1.

The Championship side came from behind to inflict a first defeat on new Dons boss Stephen Glass thanks to goals from Ethon Varian and Dario Zanatta.

Rangers will be at home to Livingston after thrashing Dunfermline 5-0 on Friday.

Holders St Johnstone saw off a scare from lower league opposition to beat Arbroath on penalties after a 2-2 after extra-time to set up a quarter-final tie with Dundee.

Hibernian were more comfortable winners as they saw off Kilmarnock 2-0 and will travel to Dundee United in the last eight.