23.09.2021 22:52 h

Jota off the mark as Celtic reach Scottish League Cup semis

Jota scored his first goal for Celtic in a 3-0 win over 10-man Raith Rovers in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.

Ange Postecoglou's side cruised into the last four with a dominant display against second tier Raith at Parkhead.

Portuguese winger Jota finished well for the opener and provided the assist that allowed Liel Abada to net Celtic's second goal on the rebound.

David Turnbull notched his sixth goal of the season before Raith's Dario Zanatta was sent off just before the hour mark.

James McCarthy produced a brilliant reverse pass to set up Jota for the opener in the 26th minute.

The on-loan Benfica winger got past Reghan Tumilty before smashing his shot past Raith keeper Jamie MacDonald.

Jota was heavily involved in the second goal five minutes before half-time.

He beat his man and fired a powerful strike that MacDonald could only parry into the path of Abada, who nodded home.

Celtic moved further ahead two minutes into the second half.

Albian Ajeti tracked back to regain possession near the halfway line to allow Turnbull to stride forward and stroke a curling effort into the net from 25 yards.

Hibernian also reached the semi-finals with a 3-1 win at Dundee United in Thursday's other tie.

Rangers and holders St Johnstone had advanced to the last four on Wednesday.