Celtic captain Paul Lambert revelled in their progress to the Uefa Cup semi-finals at the expense of their English opponents.

The Scottish champions outplayed Liverpool to win by two goals at Anfield and clinch a 3-1 aggregate victory.

And Lambert recalled attempts by the English media to belittle their achievement in defeating Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the earlier rounds.

The Scotland midfielder, who won the Champions Cup with Borussia Dortmund, told BBC Scotland: "We dominated and definitely deserved to win.

"It wasn't bad for a team from a so-called Mickey Mouse league."

I supported Liverpool as a kid, so it was great to do that at Anfield Celtic striker John Hartson

Celtic were joined in the last four by Italian giants Lazio, Porto and Boavista, but Lambert said they are not scared of anyone.

"Whoever we get is going to be tough, but we have shown we can compete with the best," added Lambert.

Alan Thompson opened the scoring just before the break before John Hartson's dream strike clinched Celtic's first European semi-final for 28 years.

Match report: Liverpool 0-2 Celtic

Anfield was the ideal arena for Hartson to bounce back from the CIS Cup final defeat by Rangers when he missed a vital spot-kick late on.

The Welsh international striker said: "I missed an important penalty on Sunday and I was absolutely devastated for the fans, so hopefully that makes up for it.

"I supported Liverpool as a kid, so it was great to do that at Anfield.

Thompson opened the scoring for Celtic

"Michael Owen and Emile Heskey are two of the best strikers in England and we limited them to very few chances.

"I thought our back four were fantastic."

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill was full of praise for his side.

"That was an absolutely extraordinary performance and to come to Liverpool and beat them on their own soil was a fantastic achievement," he said.

"It has given Scottish football a massive boost and this football club a massive boost.

"It was a monumental effort and there was great desire from the players.

"Much is made of that, but I honestly think that tonight was as much about ability; the ability to hold on to the ball under pressure."