Steven Naismith fired the home side ahead in the 22nd minute but goals from Gary Hooper and Badr El-Kaddouri, whose long-distance shot somehow managed to slip past Allan McGregor, gave the Hoops the interval lead.

However, goals from Nikica Jelavic, Kyle Lafferty and Naismith again after the break confirmed the champions’ dramatic comeback as Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew was sent off in the 75th minute after picking up the second of his two yellow cards for a foul on Steven Davis.

There was much more drama to follow.

In the 67th minute, after Jelavic’s header was blocked, Lafferty made himself a yard of space to drive in from close range to put the home side back in to the lead.

Then, in the 75th minute, Mulgrew, booked in the first half for a foul on Naismith, was sent off by referee Craig Thomson after picking up his second yellow card for a foul on Davis.

Lafferty was replaced by Lee McCulloch while Mohamed Bangura came on for Samaras to make his Old Firm debut before Rangers defender Dorin Goian missed a decent chance from Wylde’s deep cross.

In the second minute of added time Davis’s cross from the left found Naismith and he volleyed in for number four.