Scottish League Cup: Celtic and Rangers to meet in semi-finals

Celtic and Rangers will meet in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup.

The other semi-final will see holders Aberdeen take on Scottish Premiership rivals Dundee United.

The game between Celtic and Rangers - which will take place on January 31 or February 1 - will be the first time the Glasgow clubs have met since the financial collapse of Rangers in 2012.

The last Old Firm meeting came in April 2012 when Celtic celebrated their title triumph with a 3-0 victory against a club that had been deducted 10 points and were battling for survival off the field. Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper scored the goals.

The last match between the teams in the League Cup was also the last time Rangers won a cup competition - Nikica Jelavic's extra-time winner giving them a 2-1 triumph at Hampden in 2011.

Both semi-finals are likely to be played at Hampden Park.

Celtic forward Anthony Stokes said: "It was the draw we all wanted. We are looking forward to the game and we are hoping to keep up the form we are on at the minute.

"I think it's going to be different to any other game, any other Old Firm game, because we have gone two or three years now without it.

"I'm sure the fans will be looking forward to it, it's going to be an epic game."

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said: "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.

"It can't be a distraction though and it absolutely won't be. It's a League Cup semi-final with Celtic but nothing more.

"Whether anybody likes it or not, it isn't as high on the agenda as getting out of the division is for us."