Kyogo reaches 20 goals as Celtic sail past Morton

Last updated on .From the section Scottish Cup

Kyogo Furuhashi moved on to 20 goals for the season as Celtic "stuck to our principles" to sail through to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup with a comfortable win over second-tier Morton.

David Turnbull's tidy finish and another from Kyogo had the hosts four up at the break and Mooy struck his second late on.

It means Ange Postecoglou's side are the first to claim a place in Sunday's draw.

"It was really professional and we scored some good goals," said Postecoglou.

"Since the World Cup, Aaron [Mooy's] been outstanding for us. He's been a real key contributor. It was great for Dave [Turnbull] to get a start. He worked himself into the game.

"Kyogo's continuing to score goals and he works really hard. Him and Liel [Abada] in the first half were really good, both with their energy and their pressing, helping us in the defensive side of things and helping us the other way."

It was Morton who started the brighter in Glasgow's east end.

The long throw-ins of Lewis Strapp were particularly potent, with the left-back starting and finishing a move that drew a save from Joe Hart and offered encouragement to the travelling fans.

Another Morton set play, a corner, allowed a free header for Jack Baird, but Celtic cleared.

Liel Abada tried to take matters into his own hands at the other end and found his route to goal blocked. However, a lengthy VAR review ensued with Abada's shot having deflected off Baird on to the arm of former Celtic defender Ambrose.

Referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot and Mooy finished confidently. The shaking of Morton manager Dougie Imrie's head communicated his feelings on the penalty award, which came in one of only three ties this round to use VAR.

Abada and Ambrose were also involved in Celtic's second, with the defender conceding possession and Kyogo receiving Abada's pass to finish in the inside right channel.

Strapp could not convert an inviting chance moments later, instead fouling Alastair Johnston in the process and Abada continued to torment Morton with a shot over.

And Turnbull all but ended the contest with a superbly struck shot from the edge of the box after Abada and Kyogo combined to set up the Scotland midfielder.

The hosts just kept coming and Grant Gillespie miscued while attempting to clear Abada's cross and Kyogo took advantage with a shot high past goalkeeper Brian Schwake.

Postecoglou gave Tomoki Iwata a debut as a half-time replacement for Callum McGregor, and Mooy was inches away from doubling his tally for the day with a strike off a post from close range before Turnbull tested Schwake soon after.

Abada claimed for another handball after his cross was cut out by Ambrose. The ball did strike the defender's supporting arm as he slid to the ground and a corner was awarded.

Johnston's first Celtic goal almost arrived after intricate passing with Mooy, Schwake smothering the close-range shot.

But a fifth goal came when Sead Haksabanovic found Mooy in the six-yard box and the Australian finished ruthlessly.

What they said

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull: "In the first 10 minutes, we were under pressure but after that we played our football.

"I'm just trying to get as many goals and assist as I can. It's a big squad and everybody does their job and gives 100%. You just have to give your all. I'll be delighted to see who we can get in the next round."

Morton manager Dougie Imrie: "First 15, 20 minutes, we were well in the game and, again, VAR changes everything. No-one really sees anything. I don't know how Efe's meant to get his hand out of the road. It takes a deflection and it's so close. I just don't know how they can give a penalty.

"After that, we kind of felt sorry for ourselves, we lost another goal in quick succession. We had a couple of opportunities, but we lose another two goals that kills our hopes of getting anything."