John Kennedy admits Rangers are worthy champions as he fronted up to the end of Celtic's 10 In A Row dream.
The interim boss watched his side labour to a goalless draw with Dundee United that confirmed their Ibrox rivals as the earliest league winners of the modern era.
Kennedy, who stepped up following Neil Lennon's resignation, concedes Rangers have been "better than us" over a season of disappointment and regret for the Parkhead side.
Their iron grip on domestic silverware has slipped away and the 37-year-old insists it's now about rebuilding and going again.
He told Sky Sports: "Disappointed. Our objective at the start of the season was to get to 10.
"It hasn't happened for a number of reasons but, ultimately, Rangers have been better than us over the course of the season.
"Simple as that. They've deserved to win it this year. We've just got to accept that and get on with it.
"I hope it does a lot (in motivating Celtic to bounce back). We've been champions for so long and had so much success.
"Not just in the league but in the cup competitions. It's about continuing that.
"At some point you will have a blip and we've had that setback this season. We'v not been good enough, I can't shy away from that.
"But it's not about giving, not about standing back and letting someone else dominate. In terms of recent times we've still been the dominant team.
"In terms of this competition, it's not happened and we want to get back on course as quickly as we can."
