Celtic draw Rangers, Aberdeen face Dundee Utd in League Cup

Lee McCulloch and Emilio Izaguirre will meet once again in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals

Celtic will meet Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals with holders Aberdeen meeting Dundee United.

The draw for the last four was made live on BBC One Scotland's Sportscene with United coming out the hat first, followed by the Dons.

The ties at neutral venues will be played on 31 January and 1 February.

Rangers were the first side into the semis by beating St Johnstone on Tuesday, with Aberdeen,Celtic and United winning the following night.

The Dons beat Hamilton 1-0, Celtic thrashed Partick Thistle 6-0 and the Tangerines won 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Hibernian.

Scotland's national stadium, Hampden Park, is likely to host both semi-finals.

Celtic last met Rangers in a 2012 league match, when the former triumphed 3-0. The Ibrox side won their last League Cup meeting - the 2011 final.

Reacting to the draw, Celtic manager Ronny Deila told BBC Scotland: "I haven't been at an Old Firm game before but I am looking forward to experiencing it.

"Of course we are favourites. We are favourites in every game here in Scotland.

"Everybody knows it is unbelievably important in Glasgow. Everyone is looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere. It is two clubs that really want to beat each other.

"You can hear from the dressing room that people are looking forward to it."

Asked if he had wanted to be drawn against the Ibrox side, the Norwegian replied: "Yes, it is no problem for me. There were three good teams there and I think we didn't get the best one."

And Rangers manager Ally McCoist told his club website: "I'm delighted with the draw and judging by the reaction from the boys in the dressing room they're happier than me.

The draw was made live on the BBC by former footballers Craig Paterson and Des McKeown

"It's a great draw for us. Everyone has anticipated it and I don't think there's any doubt Celtic will start as favourites. Of course they will.

"It's a smashing game for us though. We feel the boys have come a long way and we're now in a position where we feel we can compete with teams on our day.

"We're not going to get carried away but I think it says a lot about the last couple of years that we're now looking forward to that type of game."

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara said of his side's meeting with the Dons: "It's a good League Cup draw to to look forward to against Aberdeen in the semi-final.

Aberdeen will need to get past United to reach another League Cup final

"It's like going back to the old days with the New Firm and the Old Firm. It's great for everybody concerned.

"Aberdeen have a fantastic backing, as do we. People are talking about Tynecastle or Easter Road but it will need a big venue for both sets of supporters.

"We've filled Hampden before, so there's no reason why we can't do it again."

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes told his club website: "Any game at the semi-final stage of a tournament is going to be difficult and both teams will see it as a real opportunity to get to a final.

"Hopefully we'll be in good form in the build-up to the game."