Whittaker rescues Rangers

Steven Whittaker scored an extra-time double to send Rangers into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 replay win over Hamilton on Tuesday.

It was the third meeting in 10 days between the two clubs, with Accies earning a 3-3 draw at the first time of asking and then losing narrowly to Walter Smith’s men in the Scottish Premier League at the weekend.

Hamilton once again frustrated the holders and forced the replay to extra-time but two goals in quick succession from Whittaker ensured Rangers progressed to a meeting with St Mirren in the next round.

Northern Ireland international Niall McGinn ensured Celtic also advanced to the fifth round with the only goal in a 1-0 win at Morton.

The former Derry City player beat Morton goalkeeper Colin Stewart with a crisp finish from Marc-Antoine Fortune’s cutback, ten minutes before half-time and, despite a sluggish start, the Glasgow giants never looked like relinquishing control of the tie.

Celtic will now face second division minnows Stenhousemuir in the fifth round.

In Tuesday’s other fourth round clash, Raith Rovers advanced with a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle, secured by a 73rd-minute strike from Kevin Smith.