Celtic kept on course for a domestic treble by scoring four second-half goals in a 4-0 win over ten-man Dundee United at Tannadice yesterday to book a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Dundee United had Robbie Neilson sent off in the first half, before Joe Ledley, Georgios Samaras, Anthony Stokes and Scott Brown netted for the holders.

“It was such a difficult game today. I didn’t think we played anywhere near our best first half and that’s credit to Dundee United,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon said.

United, who had knocked out Celtic’s Old Firm rivals Rangers in the previous round, started brightly but their good work was undone in the 28th minute when Neilson was shown a straight red for leading with his elbow in an aerial challenge with Samaras.

The game remained goalless at the interval, but Celtic started the second half on the front foot and made the breakthrough in the 53rd minute through Ledley.

United missed a great chance to level matters midway through the second half. Milos Lacny was sent clear on goal by Russell’s headed flick-on but the substitute dragged his shot wide of the target with only the ‘keeper to beat.

And United were left to rue that missed opportunity when Celtic doubled their advantage moments later.

Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick was excellent and Samaras rose unmarked to bullet a header past the helpless Pernis.

Stokes then sent his shot crashing off the bar but the Irish striker got a goal with four minutes remaining to put the icing on the cake for Celtic as he beat the offside trap to fire an angled shot past Pernis.

Things got worse for the home side in the final minute when Brown slotted home from the penalty spot after Samaras had been chopped down by Sean Dillon in the box.

Semi-finals
Celtic have been drawn to face Hearts or St Mirren in the semi-finals next month. Hearts and St Mirren drew 2-2 on Saturday and now face a replay for the right to face the Hoops.

Aberdeen, 2-1 winners at Motherwell yesterday, will play Hibernian.