Celtic reach final after penalty marathon

Celtic will meet Rangers in the League Cup final on March 15 after beating Dundee United 11-10 in an incredible penalty shoot-out following a captivating but goalless 120 minutes at Hampden

There were 16 successful spot-kicks in a row before Lee Wilkie and Glenn Loovens missed. Goalkeepers Lukasz Zaluska and Artur Boruc both scored then Willo Flood hit the top of the bar second time around and Scott McDonald finally settled an astonishing semi-final.

Both sides had chances in normal time while Flood came close for United in the additional period. Celtic finished strongly and substitute Georgios Samaras headed against the bar, with the woodwork having denied Marc Crosas minutes earlier.

Rangers beat Falkirk 3-0 on Tuesday and Celtic's tense triumph sets up the first Old Firm League Cup decider since 2003. As a result, the Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixtures on March 14 between Celtic and Falkirk and St Mirren and Rangers will be rescheduled.