Gordon Strachan says his players can be proud of themselves

"It reinforced that technically one or two teams are better than us," he said. "But, in terms of spirit, we are as good as anyone.

"In different games we have had to think, really play well technically.

"But, for sheer guts, that's as good as it gets. We achieved the win with heart and determination."

Media conference: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

Strachan praised his side for overcoming the handicap of losing an early goal then John Kennedy and Lee Naylor through injury before half-time.

And he praised Gary Caldwell's role at right-back and Steven Pressley on his return from back surgery.

With John Kennedy's record, we have to be spot-on. We keep our fingers crossed Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"Just when you think you have seen it all, you think about every scenario, but you can never know what's going to happen," said Strachan.

"Losing a stupid goal, ending up with a midfielder playing left-back, a centre-half at right-back and someone who has not played for five months who is 34 .

"How did we win the game? The simple answer is with a huge heart."

Strachan revealed Naylor's injury was only a calf strain, but Kennedy's problem is causing much more concern.

MY SPORT: DEBATE I believe Celtic can and will win in Milan as they will have the stronger will to do so GRIOGAIR

The defender returned from a three-year absence with a knee injury in March and looked in distress after contesting a high ball.

"John has gone to hospital," said Strachan.

"With John's record, we have to be spot-on. We keep our fingers crossed."

The Celtic boss was keeping to himself what was said after the game to Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu, who had claimed Celtic were lucky to beat Milan and Benfica.