Hearts punish Bhoys

MICHAEL STEWART’s second-half penalty at Parkhead sent Hearts past wasteful Celtic and in to the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

In the 58th minute the Hearts midfielder, who had been booed by his own supporters during Saturday’s goalless Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with Falkirk, scored from the spot after Hoops left back Danny Fox had tripped Christian Nade inside the Celtic box.

Parkhead substitutes Paddy McCourt and Georgios Samaras both hit the woodwork and the Greece international missed several chances as the home side pressed for the equaliser.

Hearts will join St Mirren, St Johnstone and Rangers in the hat for the last-four draw while Hoops manager Tony Mowbray will have to find answers to his side’s shocking home form, with two wins out of nine at Celtic Park since taking over from Gordon Strachan in the summer.

Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo admitted his side rode their luck: “This was a very important win. We had also a little bit of luck,” said Hearts boss Laszlo, who felt his centre-backs escaped with a clean sheet.

“I think the communication between Ismael (Bouzid) and Jose (Goncalves) was not the best today.

“But in football, you must score goals and we scored one more.”

CELTIC: Zaluska, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Daniel Fox, McGeady, Crosas, Zhi (Samaras 58), N’Guemo, Maloney (McCourt 46), Killen (McDonald 58).

HEARTS: Balogh, Craig Thomson, Bouzid, Goncalves, Wallace, Obua, Black (Jonsson 46), Michael Stewart, Palazuelos, Driver, Nade (Witteveen 76).

Referee: C Thomson