Jeff Holmes/Getty Images Sport
Leigh Griffiths had the last laugh over his former rivals, as he scored and assisted on the night to send Celtic to the semi-final of the League Cup.
After being taunted throughout the game by the Hearts fans, the Celtic striker responded expertly by scoring the opening goal following some nice footwork inside the box and firing the ball across the body of Alexander.
He then turned provider after a burst down the right wing before finding Tom Rogic he poked the ball home from close range. The Aussie was vital in lifting the Hoops in the second half after a lacklustre and uninspiring first half where chances were few and far between.
Griffiths has a habit or scoring at Tynecastle against his former rivals from his Hibernian days, and stuck the dagger into the hearts of Jambo fans once again.
Speaking after the game, as per Sky Sports Griffiths said:
The yellow was a bit harsh, but if you give me a goal like that and a yellow card then I’ll take it all day long.
I get abuse everywhere I go – here you always get stick as an ex-Hibee but the only way to shut them up is to score.
The 2-1 win puts Celtic into the Scottish League Cup semi-final, where they could face Ross County, St Johnstone and either Hibernian or Dundee United. The draw for the semi-finals will take place a week on Monday (November 9, at 2.00pm) when Celtic will find out their opponents.
Those fixtures will take place on January 30, or 31, with the final if the Scottish League Cup taking place on Sunday March 13.
It was the first trophy Ronny Deila won as Celtic manager, and one he will be hoping to retain this season after a good team performance last night.