Martin O'Neill hailed the "heart and desire" Celtic showed to beat Stuttgart despite being knocked out of the Europa League.

Celtic went into the second leg at MHP Arena trailing 4-1 on aggregate after a poor showing at Celtic Park last week.

However, they were given early hope as Luke McCowan scored just 28 seconds into the second leg, the club's earliest goal on record (since 2004-05) in a major European game.

They were unable to build on their lightning-quick start, though they held strong to ensure they earned a historic win in what could be O'Neill's final ever European match.

This victory was Celtic's first-ever in Germany in a major European competition, ending a run of 16 without a win in the country (D4 L12).

And O'Neill was delighted with the attitude his side showed to salvage some pride after the disappointment of the first-leg result.

"I've been delighted with the team, absolutely delighted with the side," O'Neill told CelticTV.

"The fourth goal really deflated us last week, but if we could contest tonight and maybe get an early goal, or at least not concede early on...

"What do we do? Well, Luke scored a great goal for us within a minute or two of the game, and then we've got something to go for.

"The players showed great determination. At times, we played some really nice football as well. I was so proud of the team, so proud of the supporters as well, who kept us going.

"Overall, it was a brilliant effort. Heart and desire is something that, in the scheme of things, is still important.

"Now heart and desire will not win you every single football match, you've got to be able to have the ability to get it down, play under pressure, all those things, but it does help when the going gets tough."

Celtic's attention will immediately turn to the Old Firm derby against bitter rivals Rangers on Sunday, with both teams looking to put the pressure on Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

And O'Neill admitted that Viljami Sinisalo has given him "food for thought" after an impressive performance.

He replaced Kasper Schmeichel, who played the first leg, in the starting line-up and made six saves as Celtic kept their first clean sheet in the Europa League this season.

And the goalkeeper says he will be "ready" if called upon again.

"He's [Schmeichel] been brilliant with me, and we've got a great working relationship, always have done. I'm there to help him, and he's there to help me," Sinisalo told TNT Sports.

"I do want to play, everyone does. That's what football is and how it should be. The more chances you have, the better, and I'm glad I got my chance today. Whatever follows is not up to me.

"It's another game coming up. If the manager decides to put me in, great, I'm ready for it. That's not my decision. I can only go out there and play my best."