Celtic are 45 minutes away from the fourth round of the Scottish League Cup after taking a 1-0 lead in at half time against Hearts this evening.

John Guidetti put the home side in front on 23 minutes when he converted from close range with a left-footed strike after a great ball from Emilio Izaguirre.

The on-loan striker nearly doubled his tally moments later but he couldn't apply the finish when Callum McGregor's deflected shot fell to his feet.

The Bhoys have been on top for most of the first period, and earlier in the half, Kris Commons went close with an effort after Guidetti had fired wired.

Anthony Stokes thought he had given Celtic a fifth-minute lead but his shot flew just wide after a turn on the edge of the box.

Morgaro Gomis nearly made it 2-0 with an own goal shortly after the half-hour mark but Hearts keeper Neil Alexander spared his teammate's blushes with a reflex save.

Jamie Walker nearly restored parity at the end of the half when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.