Martin O'Neill hailed his players after Celtic booked their place in the fourth round of the Uefa Cup.

The Scottish champions survived a fightback from Celta Vigo to go through on away goals courtesy of a crucial first half strike from John Hartson.

It is the club's first success against Spanish opposition, and for the first time in 23 years they will be playing European football beyond Christmas.

O'Neill said: "It is a terrific effort from the team to beat Celta Vigo over the two legs, but it was a long last 45 minutes.

The players created a bit of history tonight Martin O'Neill

"They have some wonderful players, so we needed a great performance to go through.

"We conceded a bad goal at a bad time, but we did well to get the equaliser and we hung on in the second half and it was backs-to-the-wall stuff near the end.

And the Irishman added: "It's a great night for the club to be in Europe beyond Christmas and we can look forward to being there again in the new year and full credit to the players - they created a bit of history tonight."

O'Neill also said Hartson's goal was the Welshman's best moment so far for the Parkhead side.

Gustavo Lopez's deflected goal and a Benni McCarthy strike hauled the Galician outfit back into the tie, but Celtic hung on for a famous result.

O'Neill said: "It's probably his most important goal and it was a typical John Hartson goal.

Celta Vigo would have been better winners and deserved to win more than Celtic Celta Vigo boss Miguel Angel Lotina

"He has the ability to turn players and shoot very, very quickly.

"He showed great determination and scored a great goal which he richly deserves."

Celta Vigo boss Miguel Angel Lotina refused to take the defeat on the chin, and felt his side should have been in the fourth round.

He said: "They gave a very good game, but we should have scored a third goal and gone ahead to win the round.

"Celta Vigo would have been better winners and deserved to win more than Celtic."