Shaun Maloney makes unexpected admission after stunning Hearts victory

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has played down the significance of Sunday's emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts, insisting the result was simply another step in the team's recent progress.

Martin O'Neill's side produced a sensational attacking display against last season's title challengers.

However, despite the magnitude of the result, Maloney believes Celtic's performance was a continuation of the improvements shown in recent weeks rather than a defining moment in their season.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, he said: "You'd probably have to ask the players in terms of their view. From a coaching staff, probably not.

"I think the Motherwell game coming straight back, I think everyone got back a couple of days before that game to produce that performance, because Motherwell make it quite tough in trying to control the ball.

"No, it didn't feel that seismic, Hearts. I know it was a really good performance. Some of the attacking stuff was really good. It doesn't feel like that big moment. I feel like it's just a continuation of that week.

"We've got a fair bit to work on and continue to work on. So it didn't feel like that for me. Maybe the guys or the players might have felt differently, but for us it was good.

"Everyone was committed with and without the ball. So that was probably what we took from it as a staff or the coaches anyway."

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