Rangers Draw Celtic in Blockbuster Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final

Rangers will host Celtic in a blockbuster Premier Sports Cup quarter-final after the Glasgow rivals were paired together in Sunday evening’s draw at Ibrox.

The SPFL confirmed the last-eight tie moments after Derek McInnes’ side completed a convincing 5-1 win over holders St Mirren to secure their place in the next round.

It was the headline outcome from an otherwise balanced draw and ensures one of Scottish football’s two biggest clubs will be absent when the semi-final line-up is decided next month.

The fixture is due to be played over the weekend of September 12 and 13, with the exact date, kick-off time, and broadcast arrangements still to be announced.

It means the season’s first Old Firm meeting will now take place in Govan, one week before Rangers are scheduled to visit Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, September 20.

That scheduling creates an unusual double-header and gives McInnes a chance to alter the balance of a rivalry Celtic controlled in both knockout competitions last term.

Rangers emphatically reached the quarter-finals. Ryan Naderi and Vanja Dragojevic established an early two-goal lead before Chris Mochrie pulled one back for St Mirren.

Djeidi Gassama and debutant James Penrice then struck within two second-half minutes, while Ross McCausland completed the scoring after Lawrence Shankland had hit the post. Ivor Pandur also saved a Killian Phillips penalty.

The result delivered McInnes’ first competitive victory as Rangers manager and ended a difficult opening sequence for the Light Blues.

More importantly, it provided a sharper attacking display before a demanding run of fixtures. 

The Gers had seen only one league point from two games and a midweek Europa League exit.

Nevertheless, Celtic booked their own place in the draw with a 4-0 victory away to Dundee United on Saturday.

The reigning Premiership champions have also begun their league campaign with successive wins, leaving Rangers with no margin for another slow start when the sides meet.

There is recent cup history behind the pairing, too. Celtic defeated Rangers 3-1 after extra time in last season’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final, before the Ibrox club also exited the Scottish Cup to their rivals on penalties. Likewise, McInnes will be interested in improving upon that record this time out.

Nevertheless, the remaining quarter-finals see Stenhousemuir host Hearts, Ross County welcome Hibernian, and Kilmarnock face Aberdeen.

For Rangers, however, using the home advantage to reverse last season’s derby cup disappointments might keep their first realistic route to silverware open.