Rangers put their off-field problems to one side to book their place in the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a 3-1 win at Dundee and provide their frustrated fans with some much-needed cheer.

Last year's finalists started well when they took an early lead through Steven Whittaker before Dundee - second only to Celtic in terms of their spending over the summer - responded in style when the impressive Leigh Griffith claimed his 12th goal of the season.

But the Irn-Bru First Division leaders were denied their place in the last four of the competition when Gary MacKenzie nodded into his own net, before John Fleck put the gloss on the victory with a late strike.

Elsewhere, St Johnstone roared into the semi-finals for the second time in four seasons have won 2-1 after a frantic final 20 minutes against Dundee United.

A dull game was heading for extra-time until an own goal from Sean Dillon put Saints ahead in the 72nd minute.

The tie looked over four minutes later when Darren Dods deflected a free-kick from the excellent Liam Craig past his own goalkeeper, but Prince Buaben's first goal in Scottish football set up a grandstand finish.

St Mirren also swept into the semi-finals after they struck three goals against Motherwell for the second time in four days.

Michael Higdon headed home his first goal at St Mirren Park midway through the first half and Jack Ross added a deflected second just after the hour.

Motherwell had come from two down to draw in Paisley on Saturday but their comeback attempts ended when Stephen Craigan netted an 80th-minute own goal to secure a 3-0 win.