TWO goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink booked Celtic's place in the Tennent's Scottish Cup final - but only after they were pushed all the way by St Johnstone.

The Dutch striker opened the scoring when he converted from the penalty spot after being felled by Saints goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert.

Martin Hardie's leveller hauled St Johnstone back into the game but a second goal from Vennegoor of Hesselink proved the difference.

Celtic will face either Hibernian or Dunfermline in next month's final at Hampden, with the other semi-final being contested today.

With two Scottish PremierLeague clubs thrown together in that tie, this should have been Celtic's easiest route to the final. However, the Perth side tested them all the way, and it required the Dutchman to rise and meet Shunsuke Nakamura's corner for the winner.