Surely the draw we all wanted, the first Old Firm Derby since April 2012 will take place on the weekend of January 31st/February 1st 2015 when Rangers take on Celtic in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. From the Daily Record:

 

Scottish League Cup Draw: Celtic and Rangers paired together in semi-final

 

 

THE first Old Firm clash since April 2012 will take place in February after Rangers and Celtic were drawn together in the League Cup semi-finals.

It's another fiesty affair in the second semi as Dundee United and Aberdeen face-off at Hampden.   

Rangers, who have already beaten Premiership sides Inverness and St Johnstone on the way to the semis, will play the Hoops for the first time since their demotion to the Third Division.

The Hoops blew away Partick Thistle in the quarter-finals and hat-trick striker John Guidetti will be pleased with the draw, having welcomed the chance to be let loose on his side's bitter rivals.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist has welcomed the prospect of a clash with Celtic – but warned his players not to let it distract them from winning the Championship.

The Ibrox gaffer is relishing a League Cup semi-final tie with their Old Firm rivals after they were paired in last night's draw.

They'll meet Ronny Deila's men at Hampden for the first time in two and a half years and McCoist insists his men are ready for the challenge.

He believes that they're capable of competing with the Hoops in a one-off game but says he won't get caught up in the hype.

McCoist is adamant that Rangers' priority is still to earn promotion back to the top flight where they'll go toe-to-toe with Celtic on a regular basis.

After the draw, McCoist said: “It's a great draw for us. Everyone anticipated it and judging by the reaction from the boys in the dressing-room, they're happier than me.

“It's a smashing game for us. We feel the boys have come a long way and we're now in a position where 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 still isn't as high on our agenda as getting out of this division.â€

Ronny Deila thinks his players will jave no problems with being favoured to win the match.

Deila said: “There were three good teams there and I think we didn't get the best one

“But I have to say it is the draw we wanted, of course. I’m really looking forward to the game, it’s going to be huge and hopefully we will win and make it even better.

“Right now we are favourites. We are that in every game in Scotland. We are used to being favourites and we will be that against Rangers, unless something special happens in January.â€

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is relishing the opportunity to face Rangers.

Stokes added: "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."

In the other mouth-watering clash, Dundee United face Aberdeen. United were taken all the way to penalties by Hibs in the quarter-final, while Aberdeen edged past Hamilton.

The final is scheduled for the 15th March.

After Celtic and Rangers were drawn against each other in the Scottish League Cup, William Hill make the Bhoys 1/5 to qualify for the final with Rangers 10/3.

Celtic are 8/11 to lift the trophy with Aberdeen and Dundee United 4/1. Rangers are 6/1

“It is the tie that everyone wanted in the League Cup and old rivalries will be renewed even if the odds suggest a comfortable win for Celtic,†said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.

Scottish League Cup winner: 8/11 Celtic; 4/1 Aberdeen; 4/1 Dundee United; 6/1 Rangers

THE DRAW

Dundee Utd v Aberdeen

Celtic v Rangers

Ties to be played Saturday 31 January, 2015 and Sunday 1 February, 2015

 

 

The odds will be stacked against Rangers but it's a cup tie and with the passion around the game you just never know.  It'll give the squad a real focus over the next couple of months, I'd expect Rangers' form to improve steadily.

It's gonna be mental

Have a bad feeling it's going to seriously kick off in Glasgow. Would be great if Rangers could beat Celtic but I just can't see it happening. 

 

The other semi is quite tasty as well... will make for an interesting final no matter what happens. 

Celtic twats placed an advert costing 3 grand in the Herald bout Rangers no longer existing and this team being called Newco and the Old Firm is defunct.  Jealous of Rangers have won far more than them.

Of course the team masquerading as Celtic FC are actually Pacific Shelf 595 Limited - two can play that game.....

Where will be good to watch the game in London with other bluenoses and will have the commentary on etc. Currently living bout 5 minute walk from Stamford Bridge.

Where will be good to watch the game in London with other bluenoses and will have the commentary on etc. Currently living bout 5 minute walk from Stamford Bridge.

The White Bear pub in St. John Street in Farringdon is showing the game. Doors open at noon. 

Celtic ended up winning the match 2-0 courtesy of two first half goals. 

 

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30971812