2022–23_Scottish_League_Cup
2022–23 Scottish League Cup
Football tournament season
The 2022–23 Scottish League Cup, also known as the Premier Sports Cup (until the semi-finals)/ Viaplay Cup (final) for sponsorship reasons, was the 77th season of Scotland's second-most prestigious football knockout competition. Celtic were the defending champions. They retained the title to win the competition for a 21st time.[1]
Quick Facts Tournament details, Country ...
Premier Sports Cup logo | |
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Country | Scotland |
| Dates | 9 July 2022 – 26 February 2023 |
| Teams | 45 |
| Defending champions | Celtic |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Celtic (21st title) |
| Runner-up | Rangers |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 95 |
| Goals scored | 296 (3.12 per match) |
| Top goal scorer(s) | 5 players (4 goals) |
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The format for the 2022–23 competition was similar to the previous six seasons; however, this season the group stage was not regionalised.[2] The competition began with eight groups of five teams. The five clubs initially competing in the UEFA Champions League (Celtic and Rangers), Europa League (Heart of Midlothian) and Europa Conference League (Dundee United and Motherwell) qualifying rounds received a bye to the second round. The group stage consisted of 40 teams: all remaining teams that competed across the SPFL in 2021–22, and the 2021–22 Highland Football League champions (Fraserburgh) and runners-up (Buckie Thistle), and the 2021–22 Lowland Football League champions (Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic).[2]
The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the three best runners-up, progressed to the second round (last 16). At this stage, the competition reverted to the traditional knock-out format. The three group winners with the highest points total and the European entrants were seeded.
Bonus point system
The traditional point system of awarding three points for a win and one point for a draw was used; however, for each group stage match that finished in a draw, a penalty shoot-out took place, with the winner being awarded a bonus point.[3]
Main article: 2022–23 Scottish League Cup group stage
The teams were seeded according to their final league positions in 2021–22 and drawn into eight groups, with each group comprising one team from each pot. The draw for the group stage took place on 25 May 2022 and was broadcast live on FreeSports & the SPFL YouTube channel.[2]
Group A
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ABE | STI | RAI | DUM | PET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | +12 | 12 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | 3–0 | 2–0 | — | |
| 2 | Stirling Albion | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | −1 | 8 | 0–5 | — | — | — | 3–0 | ||
| 3 | Raith Rovers | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 6 | — | 1–1p | — | — | 6–0 | ||
| 4 | Dumbarton | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 | — | 1–2 | 0–0p | — | — | ||
| 5 | Peterhead | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 13 | −13 | 0 | 0–2 | — | — | 0–2 | — |
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Group B
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | PAR | KIL | STE | MON | FRA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partick Thistle | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 | +5 | 11 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | — | 4–2 | 2–0 | |
| 2 | Kilmarnock | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | +8 | 10 | 1–1p | — | 4–1 | — | — | ||
| 3 | Stenhousemuir | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 6 | 1–2 | — | — | — | 3–0 | ||
| 4 | Montrose | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 11 | −5 | 3 | — | 0–3 | 0–2 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Fraserburgh | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | −9 | 0 | — | 1–3 | — | 2–4 | — |
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Group C
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ROS | DNF | ALL | EFI | BUC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ross County | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | +10 | 11 | Qualification for the second round | — | 1–0 | — | 7–0 | — | |
| 2 | Dunfermline Athletic | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 7 | — | — | 1–1p | — | 5–0 | ||
| 3 | Alloa Athletic | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 7 | 0–2 | — | — | p1–1 | — | ||
| 4 | East Fife | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 12 | −8 | 4 | — | 0–2 | — | — | 3–2 | ||
| 5 | Buckie Thistle | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 1 | 1–1p | — | 1–4 | — | — |
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Group D
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | FAL | GMO | HIB | BON | CLY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Falkirk | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 10 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | 1–0 | — | 1–0 | |
| 2 | Greenock Morton | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 7 | 0–0p | — | — | 3–1 | — | ||
| 3 | Hibernian | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 6 | — | 0–3[lower-alpha 1] | — | — | 5–0 | ||
| 4 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | −4 | 4 | 1–1p | — | 1–4 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Clyde | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | −5 | 3 | — | 2–0 | — | 1–2 | — |
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Source: [9]
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
- Greenock Morton were awarded a technical 3−0 win over Hibernian, who fielded an ineligible player. The match had originally finished 1–1, with Greenock Morton securing the bonus point following a 3–1 win on penalties.[8]
Group E
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ARB | AIR | STM | EDI | COW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arbroath | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 12 | Qualification for the second round | — | 3–0 | — | — | 3–0 | |
| 2 | Airdrieonians | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 7 | — | — | 2–0 | 1–1p | — | ||
| 3 | St Mirren | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 6 | 0–1 | — | — | 3–1 | — | ||
| 4 | Edinburgh | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 | −1 | 5 | 1–3 | — | — | — | 3–0 | ||
| 5 | Cowdenbeath | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 11 | −11 | 0 | — | 0–3 | 0–2 | — | — |
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Group F
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ANN | QOS | STJ | AYR | ELG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annan Athletic | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 10 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | — | p1–1 | 4–0 | |
| 2 | Queen of the South | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 8 | 2–3 | — | p2–2 | — | — | ||
| 3 | St Johnstone | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 8 | 0–0p | — | — | 1–0 | — | ||
| 4 | Ayr United | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | — | 0–3 | — | — | 3–0[lower-alpha 1] | ||
| 5 | Elgin City | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 13 | −11 | 0 | — | 0–2 | 2–4 | — | — |
Close
Source: [12]
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
- Ayr United were awarded a technical 3−0 win over Elgin City, who fielded an ineligible player. The match had originally finished 0–0, with Ayr United securing the bonus point following a 4–3 win on penalties.[11]
Group G
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ICT | LIV | COV | ALB | KEL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 11 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | p1–1 | 4–0 | — | |
| 2 | Livingston | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 9 | 1–2 | — | — | — | 2–0 | ||
| 3 | Cove Rangers | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | −1 | 4 | — | 1–2 | — | — | 2–3 | ||
| 4 | Albion Rovers | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 9 | −4 | 3 | — | 2–3 | 1–2 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Kelty Hearts | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | −4 | 3 | 0–1 | — | — | 0–2 | — |
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Group H
More information Pos, Pld ...
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | DND | HAM | QPA | FOR | STR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dundee | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | +11 | 12 | Qualification for the second round | — | 3–0 | — | 5–1 | — | |
| 2 | Hamilton Academical | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 8 | — | — | p1–1 | — | 5–2 | ||
| 3 | Queen's Park | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | +5 | 7 | 1–2 | — | — | 4–1 | — | ||
| 4 | Forfar Athletic | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 12 | −7 | 3 | — | 0–3 | — | — | 3–0[lower-alpha 1] | ||
| 5 | Stranraer | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 16 | −12 | 0 | 0–3 | — | 2–5 | — | — |
Close
Source: [14]
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Notes:
- Forfar Athletic were awarded a technical 3−0 win over Stranraer, who fielded an ineligible player. The match had originally finished 2–2, with Forfar Athletic securing the bonus point following a 5–3 win on penalties.[8]
Best runners-up
More information Pos, Grp ...
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Kilmarnock | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | +8 | 10 | Qualification for the second round |
| 2 | G | Livingston | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 9 | |
| 3 | F | Queen of the South | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 8 | |
| 4 | H | Hamilton Academical | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 8 | |
| 5 | A | Stirling Albion | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | −1 | 8 | |
| 6 | C | Dunfermline Athletic | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 7 | |
| 7 | D | Greenock Morton | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 7 | |
| 8 | E | Airdrieonians | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 7 |
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Second round
Draw and seeding
Celtic, Dundee United, Heart of Midlothian, Motherwell and Rangers entered the competition at this stage, due to their participation in UEFA club competitions.[2]
The draw took place on 24 July 2022, following the Aberdeen v Raith Rovers match.[16]
Teams in bold advanced to the quarter-finals.
More information Seeded, Unseeded ...
| Seeded | Unseeded |
|---|---|
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- Notes
- † denotes teams playing in the Championship.
- * denotes team playing in League One.
- ** denotes team playing in League Two.
Matches
Annan Athletic v Aberdeen
| 30 August 2022 | Annan Athletic | 1–4 (a.e.t.) | Aberdeen | Annan |
| 19:45 |
|
[17] | Stadium: Galabank Attendance: 1,538 Referee: Steven McLean |
Dundee v Falkirk
| 30 August 2022 | Dundee | 3–0 | Falkirk | Dundee |
| 19:45 | [18] | Stadium: Dens Park Attendance: 3,195 Referee: Colin Steven |
Partick Thistle v Arbroath
| 30 August 2022 | Partick Thistle | 1–0 | Arbroath | Glasgow |
| 19:45 |
|
[19] | Stadium: Firhill Stadium Attendance: 1,960 Referee: John Beaton |
Rangers v Queen of the South
| 30 August 2022 | Rangers | 3–1 | Queen of the South | Glasgow |
| 19:45 |
|
[20] |
|
Stadium: Ibrox Stadium Attendance: 30,569 Referee: David Dickinson |
Heart of Midlothian v Kilmarnock
| 31 August 2022 | Heart of Midlothian | 0–1 | Kilmarnock | Edinburgh |
| 19:45 | [21] |
|
Stadium: Tynecastle Park Attendance: 11,071 Referee: Don Robertson |
Livingston v Dundee United
| 31 August 2022 | Livingston | 1–2 | Dundee United | Livingston |
| 19:45 |
|
[22] | Stadium: Almondvale Stadium Attendance: 1,497 Referee: David Munro |
Motherwell v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 31 August 2022 | Motherwell | 4–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Motherwell |
| 19:45 | [23] | Stadium: Fir Park Attendance: 3,982 Referee: Kevin Clancy |
Ross County v Celtic
| 31 August 2022 | Ross County | 1–4 | Celtic | Dingwall |
| 19:45 |
|
[24] |
|
Stadium: Victoria Park Attendance: 4,801 Referee: Willie Collum |
Quarter-finals
The draw took place on 31 August 2022, following the Ross County v Celtic match.[25]
Matches
Kilmarnock v Dundee United
| 18 October 2022 | Kilmarnock | 2–1 | Dundee United | Kilmarnock |
| 19:45 | [26] |
|
Stadium: Rugby Park Attendance: 5,144 Referee: Kevin Clancy |
Motherwell v Celtic
| 19 October 2022 | Motherwell | 0–4 | Celtic | Motherwell |
| 18:15 | [27] | Stadium: Fir Park Attendance: 8,370 Referee: Don Robertson |
Aberdeen v Partick Thistle
| 19 October 2022 | Aberdeen | 4–1 | Partick Thistle | Aberdeen |
| 19:45 | [28] |
|
Stadium: Pittodrie Stadium Attendance: 9,323 Referee: David Munro |
Rangers v Dundee
| 19 October 2022 | Rangers | 1–0 | Dundee | Glasgow |
| 20:15 |
|
[29] | Stadium: Ibrox Stadium Attendance: 37,107 Referee: Willie Collum |
Semi-finals
The draw took place on 19 October 2022, following the Rangers v Dundee match.[30] VAR was used for the first time in the tournament when it was introduced at the semi-final stage.[31]
Matches
Celtic v Kilmarnock
| 14 January 2023 | Celtic | 2–0 | Kilmarnock | Glasgow |
| 17:30 |
|
[32] | Stadium: Hampden Park Attendance: 45,787 Referee: Willie Collum |
Final
Main article: 2023 Scottish League Cup final (February)
The domestic broadcasting rights for the competition are held exclusively by Premier Sports, who will broadcast between 12 and 16 live matches per season, as well as highlights.[34]
The following matches were broadcast live on UK television:
More information Round, Date ...
| Round | Date | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Group stage | 10 July 2022 | Peterhead v Aberdeen[35] |
| 12 July 2022 | Falkirk v Hibernian[35] | |
| 13 July 2022 | Kilmarnock v Partick Thistle[35] | |
| 17 July 2022 | Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic v Hibernian[35] | |
| 19 July 2022 | ||
| 24 July 2022 | Aberdeen v Raith Rovers[35] | |
| Second round | 30 August 2022 | Rangers v Queen of the South[36] |
| 31 August 2022 | Ross County v Celtic[36] | |
| Quarter-finals | 18 October 2022 | Kilmarnock v Dundee United[37] |
| 19 October 2022 | Motherwell v Celtic[37] | |
| Rangers v Dundee[37] | ||
| Semi-finals | 14 January 2023 | Celtic v Kilmarnock[38] |
| 15 January 2023 | Rangers v Aberdeen[38] | |
| Final | 26 February 2023 | Rangers v Celtic[39] |
Close
More information Rank, Player ...
| Rank[40] | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Vicente Besuijen |
Aberdeen | 4 |
 Conor Sammon |
Alloa Athletic | ||
 Alex Jakubiak |
Dundee | ||
| Oli Shaw |
Kilmarnock | ||
 Jonah Ayunga |
St Mirren | ||
| 6 | 21 players | 3 | |
Close
- "Rangers 1 Celtic 2". BBC Sport. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- "Premier Sports Cup 2022/23". SPFL. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- "New League Cup format and TV deal". SPFL. 7 December 2015. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
- "Summary - League Cup Group A". Soccerway. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group B". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group C". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Disciplinary hearing decisions". SPFL. 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group D". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group E". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "SPFL Statement 14/07/22". SPFL. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group F". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group G". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup Group H". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Summary - League Cup". Soccerway. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
- "Premier Sports Cup R2 draw on Sunday". SPFL. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- "Annan Athletic vs. Aberdeen - 30 August 2022". Soccerway. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Dundee vs. Falkirk - 30 August 2022". Soccerway. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Partick Thistle vs. Arbroath - 30 August 2022". Soccerway. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Rangers vs. Queen of the South - 30 August 2022". Soccerway. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Hearts vs. Kilmarnock - 31 August 2022". Soccerway. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- "Livingston vs. Dundee United - 31 August 2022". Soccerway. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- "Motherwell vs. Inverness CT - 31 August 2022". Soccerway. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- "Ross County vs. Celtic - 31 August 2022". Soccerway. 31 August 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
- "Premier Sports Cup R2 this midweek". SPFL. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Kilmarnock vs. Dundee United - 18 October 2022". Soccerway. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- "Motherwell vs. Celtic - 19 October 2022". Soccerway. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- "Aberdeen vs. Partick Thistle - 19 October 2022". Soccerway. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- "Rangers vs. Dundee - 19 October 2022". Soccerway. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- "Semi-final draw date confirmed". SPFL. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
- "VAR to be introduced this month". SPFL. 12 October 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
- "Celtic vs. Kilmarnock - 14 January 2023". Soccerway. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
- "Rangers vs. Aberdeen - 15 January 2023". Soccerway. 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- "Premier Sports to sponsor League Cup". SPFL. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- "Premier Sports Cup fixtures". SPFL. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- "Premier Sports Cup R2 fixture details". SPFL. 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- "Premier Sports Cup quarter-final ties". SPFL. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
- "PREMIER SPORTS CUP SEMI-FINAL DETAILS". SPFL. 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
- "VIAPLAY CUP FINAL 2022/23". SPFL. 16 January 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- "Scottish League Cup Top Scorers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.