Stand-in centre-forward Daizen Maeda netted a hat-trick as a much-changed Celtic eased past Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.
Hyun-Jun Yang produced a goal and two assists and Luke McCowan was also on target as Brendan Rodgers’ clinical side progressed to the quarter-finals with a 5-0 home win.
Maeda was the star of the show to take his tally to six goals inside a week as he again showed he could help Celtic cope with the exit of Kyogo Furuhashi and their failure to bring in a replacement striker ahead of the transfer deadline.
However, an injury to Paulo Bernardo meant the tie was not a complete success for the holders as they warmed up for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout phase play-off against Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese midfielder walked off before the half-hour mark after suffering a lower-leg problem.
Livingston had earlier ended the run of Cove Rangers with a 2-0 fifth-round win in West Lothian.
Rangers, the last surviving League One outfit, fell behind in the 25th minute when Ryan McGowan turned in a free-kick.
Any hopes of a comeback were ended after a late double from Livingston substitute Tete Yengi.
Livingston’s Teti Yengi celebrates scoring against Cove Rangers
Dundee eased through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup with a comfortable win over Airdrieonians at Dens Park.
The hosts completely dominated the first half, netting four times thanks to goals from Clark Robertson, Seun Adewumi and a Lyall Cameron double.
After the break, Airdrie managed to shut up shop but the damage had already been done for the Championship strugglers.
Dundee’s Clark Robertson (middle) celebrates scoring to make it 1-0
Dundee will also take comfort from the win and the clean sheet after being hit for six in successive league games against Hearts and Celtic.
Adama Sidibeh ended his six-month goal drought to send St Johnstone through to the last eight with a 1-0 win over second-tier Hamilton.
A hugely frustrating afternoon for the Scottish Premiership’s bottom side looked like continuing into extra-time against Championship strugglers Hamilton.
But Makenzie Kirk, who missed three excellent chances, made way for Sidibeh in the 84th minute and three minutes later the Gambian striker netted for the first time since an away win over Kilmarnock in August.
This nervy 1-0 victory for Simo Valakari’s side marks the first time since 2018-19 that Saints have won four games in a row.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place after St Mirren vs Hearts on Monday night.
