CELTIC sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after grinding out a 1-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
The Perth side were combative and made life difficult for Neil Lennon's cup holders, but a late free-kick from Ryan Christie beat everyone on its way in to seal a narrow victory for the visitors.
Here's how the Celtic players rated in the quarter-final clash.
Fraser Forster
Early punch to beat away Callum Hendry’s effort and then another stop from Drey Wright five minutes before the break before producing a fingertip save from a McCart header. One second-half slip that caused some brief consternation. (6)
Nir Bitton
Took over from Jozo Simunovic. One clearance as May was lurking in the second-period. Booked for a foul on Hendry just before the break. (6)
Christopher Jullien
Some ambiguity about whether he got a touch on what was the only goal of the game as he threw himself at Christie’s free-kick although he was keen to give it to his colleague. Had thought he had claimed the opener earlier in the game but was denied by a scrambled goal-line clearance. (7)
Kris Ajer
Couple of forward bursts as he looked to get Celtic moving. Conceded one silly foul on the edge of his own box in the latter stages of the game that could have been costly. (6)
James Forrest
Dragged one effort just wide of the target at the start of the second period. Had another shot spilled by Clark but the ball broke just beyond the reach of a lurking Griffiths. Wiped out by McCart to win the free-kick which Celtic took the lead from. (6)
Ryan Christie
Back in following his mid-week European suspension and came close to breaking the deadlock just after the hour mark. Denied again by a cracking save from Clark after Rogic and Edouard had linked and then supplied the free-kick from which the breakthrough goal came. (7)
Scott Brown
Looked heavy-legged at times and involved in one or two skirmishes in the middle of the park. (6)
Callum McGregor
Couple of efforts that were beaten away by Clark but took a sore one on his arm in the second period as he took the full weight of a Bitton clearance from close range. (6)
Greg Taylor
Difficult afternoon against Drey Wright. Tried to get forward and play that wing-back role but effectiveness restricted at times by the industry of Wright. (6)
Odsonne Edouard
Looked certain to take full advantage of a ball through Jason Kerr’s legs but scooped his effort high and wide. Looked short of his best. (6)
Leigh Griffiths
One effort from distance and one effort he couldn’t quite get on the end of. Difficult afternoon with little bearing fruit for the forward. (6)
Substitutes
Tom Rogic
On for Griffiths and immediately involved in terrific one-two with Edouard. (5)
Jonny Hayes
Took over from Taylor in the latter stages of the game. (5)
Vakoun Bayo
On for the final five minutes as Celtic got themselves over the line. (4)
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