That is why Celtic's hammering of Hearts, and the gulf between the two sides on the day, sent shockwaves through Scottish football.

However, Parkhead assistant manager Shaun Maloney does NOT feel it was a seismic result.

Admitting it was a terrific performance and result, Maloney played down the significance of it. He insists it was just a continuation of the progress Celtic are making.

"You'd probably have to ask the players in terms of their view. From a coaching staff, probably not," said Martin O'Neill's number two.

"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."