Celtic will meet Kilmarnock in the Scottish Communities League Cup final after Anthony Stokes' second-half double took the Glasgow side past battling Falkirk 3-1 in their semi-final at Hampden.
Skipper Scott Brown fired the Hoops into the lead from the spot in the 26th minute after Bairns skipper Darren Dods had wrestled with Thomas Rogne at a corner and it looked like the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders would go on to win with some ease.
However, 17-year-old Falkirk midfielder Jay Fulton, son of former Celtic player Stevie Fulton, dramatically levelled for the Irn-Bru First Division side before the break.
But there was to be no repeat of Celtic's shock 2010 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to First Division Ross County thanks to former Bairns player Stokes.
The Irishman's free-kick from 25 yards in the 56th minute gave Falkirk keeper Michael McGovern no chance and he tapped in from a Gary Hooper pass with five minutes remaining to make sure Celtic return to the national stadium on March 18.
Celtic were not at their best for long spells but their treble hopes remain alive with their next game in the William Hill Scottish Cup at Inverness next week.
Falkirk will continue their chase of Irn-Bru Division One leaders Ross County and they can take plenty of positives from their performance.
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