A youthful Hearts side bounced back from Scott Robinson’s sending-off to beat Inverness on penalties and reach the Scottish League Cup final yesterday.

Inverness had taken the lead in the 49th minute when Andrew Shinnie finished off a move he had started himself, but Hearts fought back strongly and Michael Ngoo netted a debut goal 24 hours after signing on loan from Liverpool.

Robinson was sent off for a two-footed challenge in a full-blooded encounter that also saw nine players booked, but the Gorgie side held on for penalties and Inverness substitute Philip Roberts missed the final spot-kick to spark Hearts celebrations at Easter Road.

Both sides had opportunities to win the game before the 120 minutes were up but Inverness fans will rue a clear-cut chance in extra-time when top goalscorer Billy McKay passed up an open goal as Caley Thistle suffered only their fourth defeat of the season.

Last season’s Scottish Cup winners will contest the final with the winner of today’s other semi-final between Celtic and St Mirren.

In the only Premier League match yesterday Richard Brittain scored an 82nd-minute equaliser as Ross County drew 1-1 at Dundee United.

The midfielder’s strike cancelled out Gary Mackay-Steven’s 52nd-minute opener for Dundee United.

Ross are clear of second-bottom St Mirren on goal difference, while Dundee United remained outside the top six.

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