John McGlynn delighted after Hearts book semi-final place in Scottish League Cup

John McGlynn hailed his Hearts side's character after they advanced to the last-four of the Scottish League Cup with a shootout win over Dundee United.

Callum Paterson put the Jambos in front after 21 minutes at Tannadice, but the hosts equalised before half-time through Johnny Russell.

Hearts had midfielder Darren Barr sent off for a second bookable offence on 78 minutes but they held to force penalties, where Sean Dillon fired wide to send McGlynn's men through.

"I'm delighted to get through," said McGlynn. "In the first half we started exceptionally well and were a wee bit disappointed to go in level at half-time.

"In the second half it was quite an even game, not too many chances and we went down to 10 men.

"I thought the lads showed good character and spirit and good organisation. Dundee United had very few chances."

Danny Grainger and John Sutton missed Hearts' first two penalties, but misses from Gary Mackay-Steven and John Rankin meant the tie went to sudden death, with Dillon's miss decisive.

McGlynn added: "It goes to penalties and it was a bit of a lottery. We missed our first two and thought it was slipping away.

"Before you know it you're back in with a shout and you're actually ahead.

"We're delighted to get through."