The Kilmarnock manager reckons the result – Celtic's first away from home in the Champions League group stages – reflects well on the quality of the SPL as well as the ability of Neil Lennon's side.

"It's a great lift," he said of the outcome in Moscow. "Scottish people should be so proud. You look at Andy Murray, you look at Paul Lawrie, the Ryder Cup and now this.

"All against the odds. It was great. I'm not from Scotland but I see that as the place where I work.

"I see it as great for the profile of Scottish football. The better Celtic do, the better we all do."

He could lead his side to the top of the table, for 24 hours at least, if they defeat Aberdeen tomorrow, with Celtic not playing Hearts until Sunday.

With the competition among the top-flight teams so tight, though, the Rugby Park manager is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "I don't look at league tables. That could bring its own problems.

"We're four points off third from bottom. If Aberdeen win then they're up above us. We're positive, we're just wary of expectations. We're small fry compared with Aberdeen. The major city clubs are the ones you'd expect to be up there and they normally are. Aberdeen, Hearts, St Mirren and Dundee United will break from the rest.

"Ourselves and four or five others have to try to steer clear of relegation."