Last update on.From section Scottish League Cup
David Turnbull put in a great second-half to bring Celtic up to three
To overcome back-to-back defeats, Celtic easily beat second-tier Raith Rovers in order to set up a Scottish League Cup semifinal with holders St Johnstone in October.
The Championship visitors began well and were frustrated by the hosts for more than 25 minutes. Jota's first Celtic goal opened scoring, and Liel Abbada added a second just before the break.
David Turnbull led in the third minute after the interval, before Raith finished the final half-hour with 10 men following Dario Zanatta’s dismissal.
Ange Postecoglou will be leading a Hampden side for the first-time on the weekend 20-21 November, following away defeats against Livingston and Real Betis.
In 15 attempts, Raith have not defeated Celtic since 1994's League Cup final victory.
Jota was a problem for Raith throughout the evening. He showed his intent right from the start, when the Celtic winger bent an early shot that went just wide of the far post.
The away team started well, moving the ball quickly and maintaining a solid shape. Dylan Tait led a calm effort that was just wide of Joe Hart’s goal.
John McGlynn's defense would be compromised on 26 minutes, when James McCarthy's inch perfect pass was intercepted by Jota. She won a tidy win over Jamie MacDonald.
Jota drove in the box again to see a shot being parried by MacDonald. However, Abada was there to give a second.
Two minutes after the restart, Turnbull added another. He glided forward unassisted and made a beautiful finish from the area to the bottom right-hand corner.
Raith was reduced to 10 men by Zanatta, who tugged on Anthony Ralston.
To the credit of the Championship side, they rallied and didn't crumble as Celtic failed their goal.
Jota is the Man of Match
The forward from Portugal was well-worth his goal and played an integral role in Abada’s second.
What have we learned?
Although there was no other choice for Celtic, victory was the only option. However, their fans would have preferred that they do it in style. It looked like they would struggle to break Raith down with 25 minutes left, but the Celtic attack relaxed after Jota's opener. They gave their home supporters a comfortable night.
Postecoglou reported that Georgios Giakoumakis, a Greek striker, "did his leg in the warm up". He has been sent for a scan so that it can be determined how serious the injury was.
Although Raith won't be judged on games against Celtic matches, McGlynn can be proud of his League Cup run. His side finished in the top group and earned a memorable win at home to Aberdeen.
He will also look for positives in his players' responses to being a man down. His team kept a solid defensive structure to keep the margin at three.
What were they saying?
Ange Postecoglou, Celtic manager: "The most important thing is that we're there. The semi-final should prove to be a memorable occasion. This club is keen to keep it going.
"It's tough, but it's important that we're there. St Johnstone enjoyed a great run last year. They also did well in Europe. It doesn't matter who you are, it will be tough."
John McGlynn, Raith Rovers manager: "I have no complaints. The best team won." They were worthy to score three goals. They put all of themselves into this.
"You can always do more, but I'm happy with our performance in the League Cup. We will learn from it and be better.
What's next?
On Sunday, Celtic host Dundee United at home in the Premiership. Raith hosts Partick Thistle in the second division.
