With eleven changes to the starting XI against Real Betis for our final Europa League clash at Celtic Park, Ange Postecoglou was hoping it would be a chance to get some minutes into the legs of those who haven’t featured much this season.

However, to get the three points in a thrilling 3-2 win against a side currently sitting third in La Liga made it a night to remember for the young Hoops side, with debuts handed out to Liam Shaw and Osaze Uroghide.

Goals from Stephen Welsh, Ewan Henderson and David Turnbull secured the result and ensured the Celts ended the campaign on a high with Conference League football to look forward to after Christmas.

With nine points gained out of arguably the hardest group in the competition, the manager sees plenty of progression throughout the campaign and was thrilled with the 90 minutes against Betis.

He said: “We said before the game there’s no dead rubbers for us and it was a great opportunity for some of the boys, so credit to them because it wasn’t an easy night.

"We flung a few in who hadn’t played in a while.

'I said to them after the game that’s why we train hard every day and push them to be ready when the opportunity comes and they did that tonight.'

“The great incentive is to get the reward of a European tie against a top-class team and the players will always have that in their bank. From that perspective, I’m pleased they got the reward for their efforts.

“Apart from not qualifying, we’ve made progress in this European campaign against three very strong teams and given a good account of ourselves. We’ve ended up with nine points and we took on some good quality teams and we’ve learned from that.”

If there was a downside it was to see both Albian Ajeti and Kyogo forced off through injury.

It leaves Ange Postecoglou short in the striking department with Giorgos Giakoumakis also on the sidelines.

He added: “Ajeti’s injury didn’t look too good and that’s a problem for us because Giakoumakis is out as well and we’re really light in that area.

“Kyogo going off wasn’t great, not too sure the extent of it but we will get info on it in the next days.”

Ange Postecoglou: We've made progress in Europe and credit goes to young Bhoys who stepped in