Martin Scott and Steven Craig scored the Ross County goals at Hampden

Derek Adams says being written off inspired his Ross County side to their most famous victory - beating Celtic 2-0 in a Scottish Cup semi-final.

Celtic, sitting second in the Premier League, were hot favourites against a side whose First Division promotion challenge has slipped in recent weeks.

"We were told not to come - that Celtic had already won the cup," said County manager Adams.

"That kind of thing riles you. We have played Celtic off the park today."

Steven Craig opened the scoring with a fine solo run and finish after 55 minutes at Hampden, while Martin Scott bundled in the second two minutes from normal time.

Adams said few gave his side, who sit fourth in Division One, the chance of creating such a scoreline.

"It just shows that people should not talk before the game," he told BBC Scotland.

"You have to show the utmost respect to anybody who plays in a semi-final.

"We performed to the highest ability. We passed the ball and created opportunities."

County now await the winners of Sunday's semi-final between First Division rivals Raith Rovers and Dundee United, who are third in the SPL.

"We have just beaten Celtic in a Scottish Cup semi-final," said Adams. "Dundee United or Raith Rovers, we don't really care who we play in the final."

Craig was overwhelmed by the victory over the club for whom his father Joe played in the 1970s as a striker.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Ross County's victory

"Words can't describe this, it's Roy of the Rovers stuff," said the former Aberdeen, Falkirk and Livingston forward.

"I could feel cramp coming after about an hour. The atmosphere and adrenaline got me through it."

Scott, a lifelong Celtic fan, said the Dingwall outfit had not been scared at the prospect of taking on the Glasgow giants.

"Absolutely delighted," the midfielder said. "It's not just individuals, the team was brilliant, soaked up the pressure.

"We are a good young team. A lot of boys in the squad have good ability. We had no fear coming here."

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