Celtic: John Guidetti targets semi-final meeting with Rangers

Celtic striker John Guidetti is on loan from Manchester City until the summer

Celtic hat-trick hero John Guidetti would love a League Cup semi-final date with Rangers, and insists whoever his side meet are "going down".

The Swede hit a treble as the champions reached the last four thanks to a 6-0 triumph over Partick Thistle.

Rangers are one of the sides Celtic could draw on Saturday - and that would make Guidetti's day.

"The 11 standing on the other side come the semi-final, they are going down," he told BBC Scotland.

And Guidetti added: "It's a massive game. It's a game I used to set my alarm to get up and watch. It is a well-known game around the world.

"It is a football match, with a round ball and two goals. Anything can happen, but I love the football players in my locker room, I wouldn't change them for anything."

Leigh Griffiths grabbed a double and Emilio Izaguirre was also on target as Celtic cruised past 10-man Partick to reach the semi-final.

"It is one step closer to getting a trophy, which of course this club deserves," added Guidetti.

"The boys were fantastic and the fans were amazing as always.

"Of course it is always good to get on the score-sheet, but it is a team and I am just the one lucky to get on the end of it.

"There was a time in my life when I said I'd maybe not play football again, but I always knew I was going to do it and I kept believing in myself and my close ones were always there for me and believed in me.

"I want to thank Celtic for giving me the opportunity to play football."

The 22-year-old Swede is on loan from Manchester City and Celtic boss Ronny Deila has already revealed he is working to land the hitman on a permanent deal.

"Right now I'm trying to just stay focused on what I'm doing," Guidetti said. "I'm really happy right now and Celtic is an amazing football club.

"I just want to keep working hard every day in training and say thank you to the boys for treating me so well."

Deila, meanwhile, reckons Guidetti is in the right place to further his career.

"He is a fantastic player and a good guy as well, but it is also important to note that we make John Guidetti good. This is a good relationship," the Norwegian said.