Celtic overcame Aberdeen 6-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden, after which Brendan Rodgers spelled out the significance of the victory.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, the Celtic manager alluded to the fine form both sides had showcased going into the match – neither side had been defeated domestically so far this campaign – which in turn served to illustrate the Scottish champions' achievement at the national stadium.

He said: "Before the weekend there are four teams who have the chance to win the cup and get to the final, but first you've got to get there.

"I thought the performance of the players was really good, especially the second half, we were more aggressive in our game and really clinical in our finishing. I'm so pleased for our players."

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Rodgers added: "I said to the players before the game, there are two things that are factual before the game: it's going to be a brilliant atmosphere. Two teams doing great, best teams in the country at this moment in time.

"So it's going to be a really, really good atmosphere. The second fact was that it's going to kick-off at 5.30pm in the dark. Everything else after that, we decide. We decide how we play, how we work, how we run, the quality of our play. And the players did that.

"It's about preparing like it's your first time here, always, and we have an obligation to fight for trophies. We give ourselves a chance here in mid-December now."