Ross County boss Jim McIntyre thrilled after ending Celtic's treble hopes

Gary Mackay-Steven fired Celtic into a first-minute lead in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, but the Highland side stormed back to win 3-1, a stunning upset.

The game hinged on the dismissal of Celtic defender Efe Ambrose for bringing down Alex Schalk inside the penalty area.

Martin Woods fired home the spot-kick, and second-half goals from Paul Quinn and Schalk settled the outcome, with Leigh Griffiths missing a late penalty on a miserable day for Celtic.

"It's absolutely brilliant," McIntyre said.

He feared the worst after Celtic's early goal.

"The goal knocked the stuffing right out of us and Celtic were all over us and we had to hang in there," McIntyre said on BBC One Scotland.

"But then we got the penalty: a good move, a good through-ball, and Woodsy sticks it away great.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the effort the guys gave us today. C eltic are a top side.

"The character this team keeps showing when they go goals behind - we might not always win the game but we always come back into it and make chances, and I'm absolutely chuffed for them."

McIntyre accepted his team were underdogs for the match, given the strength of Ronny Deila's Hoops.

However, McIntyre said: " There was belief in that team that we'd created chances in both games (against Celtic) this season, and even though we'd lost both games we knew if we created them again it was a matter of taking them, and I can't ask for any more than what the players gave us."

Hibernian await the team from Dingwall in the final on March 13.

Staggies goalscorer Woods said: "It's absolutely brilliant. I'm delighted for all the boys and the staff. We've worked very hard for this.

"To come here and beat Celtic is a fantastic result for the club. Of course we can win the cup now."