Celtic scored two late goals to avoid a shock against Partick Thistle and book their place in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Scott Bain, Cristian Gamboa, Michael Johnston and the returning Emilio Izaguirre all made rare starts for the Scottish Champions who started brightly, racing into an early lead courtesy of Leigh Griffiths.

But, after a difficult week for Brendan Rodgers' side, it looked like Jags striker Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo might have added further frustration as he levelled for the hosts with just 17 minutes remaining.

However, two goals in two minutes from Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic ensured Celtic avoided a third consecutive defeat and Rodgers preserved his 100% record in domestic cup matches since taking charge of the Glasgow side.

Aberdeen thrashed St Mirren to surge into the last eight of the League Cup.

Three first-half goals ensured the Dons saw off their Premiership counterparts in rapid fashion at Pittodrie.

Gary Mackay-Steven opened the scoring for the hosts, before captain Graeme Shinnie doubled the lead, with Stevie May adding the third - his first goal since March.

Mackay-Steven continued to torment the Saints defence and won a second-half penalty after being hauled down inside the area.

The winger stepped up to power his spot-kick past Craig Samson and complete the rout for Aberdeen.

Lawrence Shankland inspired Ayr to a shock victory over Dundee, who finished the match with nine men.

The 23-year-old striker put the Championship side ahead shortly into the second-half, smashing his effort past Jack Hamilton.

And things went from bad to worse for the hosts as Neil McCann's side were reduced to ten men.

Substitute Sofian Moussa lasted less than twenty minutes before he was shown a red card after picking up two yellows for reckless challenges.

Ayr took full advantage as Shankland netted again before Michael Moffat added a third for the visitors.

But, Dundee's misery was to be further compounded as Generic Kusunga was ordered off for a bad foul on Moffat in injury time.

A late Olly Lee goal ensured Hearts overcame Dunfermline in their second round clash.

In an end-to-end match at East End Park, chances came and went for both sides.

But it was the midfielder's effort that separated the two sides as he rifled a 79th-minute shot into the bottom corner.

The hosts had two late opportunities denied by Zdenek Zlamal. The Czech goalkeeper forced Andy Ryan's header onto the bar before blocking Aidan Connolly from point-blank range.

Craig Levein's held on to win and remain unbeaten in seven competitive outings this term as they head into the quarter finals.

Danny Johnson's goal ensured Motherwell prorgressed into the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

The first-half saw both sides strike the woodwork; Steven Lawless' 25-yard volley for Livingston rattled the crossbar, while Allan Campbell and Johnson both hit a post.

But the lively Johnson went one better when he hit the back of the net just minutes later.

Stephen Robinson's men saw out the victory and are now just one game away from a return to the national stadium.

St Johnstone edged Queen of the South out of the League Cup after extra-time.

Summer signing Tony Watt opened the scoring for the visitors after he got on the end of Murray Davidson's wayward shot.

Queen's levelled on the stroke of half-time through Lyndon Dykes who volleyed home a deserved equaliser.

The match went to extra-time as neither side could find the breakthrough.

Watt inspired his side to victory, first cutting back a ball for Drey Wright to slam home, before then adding his second and Saint's third.

Stephen Dobbie gave Tommy Wright's men a late scare as he scored a penalty but Callum Hendry struck with seconds remaining to ensure the tie finished 4-2.