Football
ESPN staff 9y

Celtic land Rangers in the semifinals of the Scottish League Cup

Celtic have drawn Rangers in the semifinals of the Scottish League Cup, which will see the two clubs play out the first Old Firm derby since the financial collapse of Rangers in 2012.

Celtic ran out 3-0 winners the last time the two teams met, celebrating their title triumph in April 2012 with a victory as Rangers battled their financial problems off the field.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila told BBC Scotland: "I haven't been at an Old Firm game before but I am looking forward to experiencing it. "Of course we are favourites. We are favourites in every game here in Scotland. Everybody knows it is unbelievably important in Glasgow.

"Everyone is looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere. It is two clubs that really want to beat each other. You can hear from the dressing room that people are looking forward to it."

The last time the two clubs met in the League Cup saw Rangers lift the trophy in 2011 -- the last time they won a cup competition -- when Nikica Jelavic's extra-time strike earned them a 2-1 win at Hampden Park.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist told the club's official website: "I'm delighted with the draw and judging by the reaction from the boys in the dressing room they're happier than me.

"It's a great draw for us. Everyone has anticipated it and I don't think there's any doubt Celtic will start as favourites. Of course they will.

"It's a smashing game for us though. We feel the boys have come a long way and we're now in a position where we feel we can compete with teams on our day.

"We're not going to get carried away but I think it says a lot about the last couple of years that we're now looking forward to that type of game."

Aberdeen will play Dundee United in the other semifinal. The ties will be played either Jan. 31 or Feb. 1 at neutral venues, thought to be Hampden Park.

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