Neil Lennon was thrilled his side managed to avoid any Rome hangover in their 2-0 win against Motherwell yesterday as the Hoops stayed top of the Premiership table.
And the Celtic boss revealed man-of-the-match Jonny Hayes is putting forward a strong case for a new deal with his current contract up at the end of the season.
Lennon said: “He is, yeah. Jonny is popular with the other players and he has shown a real reliability, quality and confidence.
“The pace he brings down that left hand side, he put in several good crosses today. He can play wing-back, midfield or left-back. I’m so happy with him and happy for him.
“He knows his role within the parameters of the squad. His fitness levels are fantastic, his pace is fantastic along with his enthusiasm for the game.
“His game intelligence is improving all the time. I thought he was really wonderful, so he has been a real plus for me.
"It was probably his best game.
“But he has played in some big games for me – a cup final, a semi-final, a game against Rangers. He has not let me down.
“He might not be everyone’s cup of tea but he does a brilliant job for us.
Lennon hailed his side for going in to the international break on top spot in the Premiership – and maintaining the domestic push after the sensational success against Lazio.
Odsonne Edouard and Richard Tait’s own goal were enough to see off the Steelman and keep up the feel good factor at Parkhead.
Lennon said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a great performance, another clean sheet and a good win. We could have won the game by more and I don’t remember Motherwell having a shot on target.
“That speaks volumes for the way the team are playing.
“They arrived back in Glasgow at four o’clock on Friday morning and they’ve gone out and played ever so well again today.
“So I’m absolutely thrilled and really proud of them, not just the ones who played today but the whole squad throughout this round of games. They have been absolutely sensational.
“It’s been a great week and a great few weeks for us. That’s eight straight wins in all competitions now, so I can’t ask for anymore.
“Some of the football they are playing, the fluidity of the team and the confidence has been fantastic.”
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