Second-half goals from Steven Craig and Martin Scott at Hampden Park clinched the victory for the Division One team from the Scottish Highlands.

“To come to Hampden and beat one of the Old Firm 2-0 - it's the stuff dreams are made of,” Craig said. “It's not just individuals, the team was brilliant, soaked up the pressure. We are a good, young team. A lot of boys in the squad have good ability, we had no fear coming here today.” Celtic is also virtually out of contention in the Scottish Premier League as the Glasgow side is 13 points behind leader Rangers.

Losing to Ross County, which had never contested the semifinals before, will dent interim Celtic manager Neil Lennon's hopes of being appointed on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Craig scored in the 55th minute, pouncing on a loose header near the halfway line and outpacing three defenders before firing beyond goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska from 15 meters (yards).

Scott sealed County's place in the final in the 88th minute after volleying home Andrew Barrowman's cross from close range.

Celtic must avoid losing against Motherwell in the league on Tuesday to prevent Rangers winning the title the following day by beating Dundee United.