Old Firm set for semi showdown

The Old Firm are poised for another Hampden Park showdown in February if Celtic can defeat Hibernian in the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final in a fortnight.

The Hoops ran out 2-0 winners at Partick Thistle to seal their quarter-final place against Hibs.

Rangers defeated Bell’s First Division St Johnstone on Wednesday to claim their semi-final berth.

And the Glasgow giants will meet in the last four if Martin O’Neill’s team can win at Easter Road.

The Light Blues are the current holders of the trophy after defeating their arch-rivals in last year’s final in March.

Cash-strapped Dundee have been handed a great opportunity to claim another final appearance to follow the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final appearance last May.

They have been paired with fellow Bank of Scotland Premier League side Livingston in the other semi-final.

The Dark Blues were placed in administration last week and will be hoping for a cash windfall from another cup final appearance.

The semi-finals will be played on February 3 and 5, 2004.

The draw for the semi-finals of the CIS Insurance Cup is as follows:

Hibernian or Celtic v Rangers

Dundee v Livingston

Ties to be played on the 3rd and 5th of February 2004.