Craig Gordon's penalty tactics fail as Rangers stun Celtic in semi-final

Craig Gordon admits he unsuccessfully resorted to skulduggery during Celtic's William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final shoot-out defeat against Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday.

The Championship title winners secured their place in the final against Hibernian next month by beating their Old Firm rivals 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.

James Tavernier lashed his spot-kick over the bar and Gordon saved from Nicky Clark, but Celtic substitute Tom Rogic's miss in sudden death proved decisive.

Asked if there was any skulduggery or gamesmanship going on, the Scotland international said: "Yes, plenty, that's all part of it.

"I threw the other goalkeeper's water bottle away because I know he keeps some useful information on that. So that got launched over the advertising boards.

"I was shouting at their players, telling them I had seen them talking penalties before, but it didn't work.

"I was doing everything I could to put their players off, but unfortunately it didn't work for me."

In a thrilling encounter at the national stadium, a first-half goal from veteran Gers striker Kenny Miller was cancelled out by Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko's header, with Rogic levelling Barrie McKay's wonder strike in extra time.

Andy Halliday, McKay, Lee Wallace and substitute Gedion Zelalem scored their penalties for Rangers, with Tavernier and substitute Clark failing.

Charlie Mulgrew, Nir Bitton, Leigh Griffiths and Mikael Lustig scored for Celtic, with substitute Callum McGregor hitting the bar and Wes Foderingham saving from skipper Scott Brown, before Rogic put his attempt over the top.

Miller was delighted to win but insists the victory against the odds will offer no clues as to who will come out on top in next year's Premiership title joust.

"It was extra special," said the former Celtic player.

"A lot of people outside of Rangers never gave us a chance but we were completely confident.

"The fact it went to penalties as well made it emotional. You're standing there watching it with your heart pounding.

"You're hoping your keeper makes a save, that your guys score. It was hard to watch.

"But we had full belief and I really felt it would be our day.

"But I said before the game that no matter if we won, lost or drew, it didn't mean we would or would not win the league next year.

"The gap has definitely closed but I don't think this match will have any bearing on next year."