Celtic survived an early fright to cruise through to the quarter-finals of the Tennent's Scottish Cup with a 4-1 win over First Division Livingston at Almondvale.

David Mackay drove the home side into the lead after 18 minutes but the visitors, inspired by playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura, fought back and goals by Irish youngster Darren O'Dea and Derek Riordan gave them an interval lead.

Riordan's second goal just before the hour mark effectively sealed the victory before Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink added one more for good measure soon after.

But the match was a testament to the skills of the Japan international who had one of his best games in a Hoops jersey, contributing to three Celtic goals and an afternoon of torment for the home side.

The Parkhead men had been beaten by First Division opposition in last season's competition in the shape of Clyde but were strong favourites to dispose of the West Lothian side in front of a slightly-less than full Almondvale.

But memories of Broadwood flooded back when Livi took a sensational lead in the 18th minute following a Lee Makel free-kick.

The former Hearts player knocked an innocuous ball into the Celtic penalty area and Mackay had plenty of room to flick a header past Artur Boruc from around 16 yards out.

The goal spurred the SPL champions into action and from then on the home side had to withstand some heavy pressure.