NafisaRangers have been handed a mouth-watering Scottish League Cup quarter-final against Celtic after Derek McInnes finally secured his first victory as Gers boss.
McInnes’ side produced their most convincing performance of the season so far on Sunday, sweeping aside St Mirren 5-1 to book their place in the last eight.
The result will give the Rangers manager a much-needed lift after a difficult opening spell at Ibrox, and he now has the chance to make an even bigger statement when Celtic arrive in Govan.
Rangers handed Celtic showdown
The draw has produced an Old Firm clash that will see Rangers host their biggest rivals in the quarter-finals.
McInnes was originally scheduled to experience his first Old Firm game as Rangers manager at Celtic Park on Sunday, 20 September.
That fixture will still take place, but the League Cup draw means the former St Mirren boss will now get an earlier taste of the rivalry, with Celtic travelling across the city to face Rangers at Ibrox.
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to be played across the weekend of 12-13 September.
For McInnes, it represents a huge opportunity.
After finally getting his first win in charge, a victory over Celtic would instantly provide another major boost and potentially transform the mood around Ibrox.
Celtic also cruise into quarter-finals
Celtic booked their place in the last eight in equally emphatic fashion, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Tannadice.
The Hoops were clinical on the road and avoided the kind of drama that has surrounded some of their recent matches.
Their reward, however, is arguably the toughest draw possible.
Martin O’Neill’s side will now have to travel to Ibrox knowing that Rangers will be buoyed by their 5-1 victory over St Mirren.
The tie should therefore provide a fascinating early-season test for both managers.
Stenhousemuir handed huge opportunity
Elsewhere in the draw, Stenhousemuir will host Hearts after producing one of the shocks of the previous round by defeating Motherwell after extra time.
It gives the lower-league side another opportunity to claim a major scalp and reach the semi-finals.
Ross County, meanwhile, will welcome Hibernian to the Highlands, while Kilmarnock will host Aberdeen in an all-Premiership encounter.
Kilmarnock were among the first sides to reach the last eight after edging Ayr United in a five-goal thriller.
Aberdeen subsequently booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee at Pittodrie, while Ross County overcame Dunfermline 2-1.
Full Scottish League Cup quarter-final draw
Rangers vs Celtic
Stenhousemuir vs Hearts
Ross County vs Hibernian
Kilmarnock vs Aberdeen
The Rangers-Celtic clash will inevitably dominate attention, particularly given McInnes’ difficult start and the significance of finally getting his first win.
Now, with Celtic standing between Rangers and a place in the League Cup semi-finals, the new manager has been handed the perfect opportunity to turn one positive result into something much bigger.
Nafisa
