Record signing Thibault Klidje marked his first start with a crucial goal as Hibernian defeated Livingston to secure a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
The Togo striker glanced in a header from Martin Boyle's corner just before half-time and substitute Josh Mulligan's stunning 25-yard strike made sure of victory late on.
The visitors, showing six changes from the energy-sapping extra-time Conference League qualifying win over Partizan Belgrade, started in the ascendancy with Klidje stinging the palms of Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior in the opening minute.
The pace of Klidje and Boyle was causing problems and the pair combined for the opener moments break the break.
Livingston created their first real opportunity within minutes of the restart, but Robbie Muirhead delayed his effort, allowing the Hibs defence to recover.
Grant Hanley had to be at full stretch to clear a volley from Sammy Lawal that was heading towards the bottom corner and Zak Rudden was next to try his luck amid increasing pressure for the home side, but his header drifted over.
However, the tie was sealed three minutes from time as a screamer from Mulligan ensured Hibs' place in the last eight.
Image source, SNS
