Livingston boss David Martindale admits his team couldn't live with a Celtic team who rediscovered their top form.
And after suffering a 6-0 drubbing at Parkhead, he talked up interim Hoops boss John Kennedy 's chances of landing the job on a permanent basis.
The Lions were second best as goals from James Forrest, David Turnbull, Moi Elyounoussi, Ryan Christie and a Jack Fitzwater OG put them to the sword.
Martindale was disappointed in Livi's display but praised the opposition's performance.
He reckons Celtic 's players put on a show for stand-in gaffer Kennedy.
Martindale said: "I was angry after the game in the changing room but now I'm disappointed.
"I felt there was an acceptance out there, we accepted that and it's not what I want from my players.
"We need to work on that. But on the flip side - and I'm not trying to sugar coat it - I thought Celtic were fantastic today.
"We allowed them to be fantastic but they popped the ball about really well.
"There was a hunger and an appetite with Celtic that I haven't seen in a while.
"It looked like a team who were playing for their manager. If John has any chance of the job, that will have done him the world of good.
"You could see the players were playing for John, they were enjoying it.
"Obviously, we made that easier for them and I don't think we were anywhere near it after half an hour.
"We just didn't get close enough to Celtic's players.
"In the second half, they absolutely battered us. When we managed to get on the ball, there were three or four Celtic players there on the press.
"But we'll get back at it this week in training, that won't be a problem.
"It didn't happen for us today but we'll make sure it happens next week."
