Malky Mackay reckons a ruthless European side would have punished Celtic on Flag Day as his Ross County side went down 4-2 losers at Parkhead.
The Hoops had nervy moments in defence versus a battling Staggies side, who had a penalty claim for Simon Murray waved away at 0-0 before David Turnbull's double and a Kyogo strike put the Premiership champions into a 3-0 lead on matchday one.
Jordan White pulled one back before Matt O'Riley added a fourth for Celtic, and James Brown's deflected consolation reduced the deficit again.
Mackay was proud of his men and having watched Yokohama F. Marinos stick six past Brendan Rodgers' side in pre-season, he sensed County would get chances, and reckons a top European or international side would have made Celtic pay, amid the Hoops preparing to return to the Champions League group stages..