Martin O'Neill described Celtic's Scottish Cup quarter-final victory as "phenomenal" as his side reached the semi-finals with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph.
The Old Firm rivals were unable to find a way through in the 90 minutes and extra-time, with spot-kicks deciding who would progress to the final four.
James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama both missed from 12 yards for Rangers, while Tomas Cvancara netted the decisive penalty, with Celtic scoring all four in the shoot-out.
But following the conclusion of the match, Celtic's celebrations were overshadowed as sections of both supporters spilt onto the pitch in ugly scenes at Ibrox.
O'Neill, however, was keen to focus on Celtic's performance, despite his team creating an expected goals total of just 0.02 from their sole shot, compared to Rangers' 2.9 xG from their 24 attempts.
"There were a few tete-a-tetes, anyway. It's unfortunate. Hopefully, it doesn't dilute the performance," O'Neill told Premier Sports.
"It was our fourth game in 10 days, and we were really out on our feet, but we defended magnificently. Blocks, boys throwing their bodies on the line.
"The players showed phenomenal courage and great determination, which is really commendable. Everyone to a man did more than their jobs. They were really terrific.
"I've got the utmost regard for the team. The Old Firm are explosive games, they always have been. That's maybe a reason why the derby is one of the best in the world.
"We had to defend for long periods in the game, and we did that magnificently. It was a tough afternoon for us, but we came through it and we finally won the game.
"When those two [Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney] drop out of the side, it does leave a hole in terms of leadership – although I thought [Liam] Scales was outstanding."
O'Neill was also not drawn to making any comments on the full-time scenes, adding: "You're asking me a lot of political questions at this moment when I'm in a euphoric state.
"The fans have spilt over, big scenes at the end, all over the place. I'm not diminishing it at all, I will have a think about it and speak to you in due course."
For Rangers, meanwhile, their hopes of a first Scottish Cup title since 2022 were dashed, while their hopes of silverware now rest on the league in 2025-26.
Rangers were also eliminated by Celtic in the Scottish League Cup, while they are six points behind leaders Hearts in the top flight.
The Gers have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, though Danny Rohl believes their display had plenty of positives.
"We did well as a group from last week to this week. We will do this again, it's our job. We are strong enough to step up in the right moments and we will do," Rohl said.
"We can take a lot of good things from this game, except the result. I'm totally convinced we will be ready again next week.
"At the end of the game, there's always emotion. It's what makes this game so exciting."
vuaabdipu
0
MON win us the Scottish Cup, and you will solidify yourself as a legend of this club even more