IT was the draw no one could have predicted and the one all non-Old Firm clubs wanted.
Rangers will meet Celtic in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox so yet again at least one of the lesser lights will reach the Final.
McBookie.com are offering 4-9 that a non Old-Firm side will lift the trophy in May while either Celtic or Rangers to win pays 13-8.
Spokesman Paul Petrie said: “With Rangers and Celtic due to clash in the fifth round the Cup has opened up massively and it is now odds on we have a non-Old Firm winner.”
William Hill make Rangers 6-5 to win the big tie while Celtic are 9-5 with the draw 11-5. Rangers are 10-3 with William Hill to win the SPL and Scottish Cup with Celtic 19-5 to do the Double.
For the winner of the Old Firm clash to go on to raise the trophy William Hill offer 8-11 and they are bigger than McBookie.com at evens on any other side to lift the silverware.
Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “Despite this game being in the fifth round it is as good as the final and the odds suggest the winner of the tie will go on to take the Cup.”
Well-backed Hearts crashed out to St Johnstone to open up the tournament even more. Before that result McBookie were offering Celtic and Rangers at 2-1 on the outrights with Motherwell 10-1, Dundee Utd 14-1, Hibs 14-1 and Inverness and Aberdeen 46-1.
After favourable draws I'd advise each-way punts on Motherwell and Aberdeen.
Stuart McCall's Well, so impressive in beating Dundee 4-0 on Sunday, face either Threave, Stenhousemuir or Stranraer away and should easily progress. Aberdeen, unbeaten since the arrival of Craig Brown, are at home to Montrose or Dunfermline. Inverness should also reach the last eight at the expense of Morton or Airdrie.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
GambleAware