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"The most pleasing thing for me, and I must stress this, everybody wanted to be here, everybody played with a smile on their face," Scots boss Levein said.

"And everybody understood how important it was for the fans to come here and see just how good a team they can be.

"I was hoping that they would make sure I didn't have to eat my words."

Scotland's build-up started in controversial fashion, with Wolves striker Steven Fletcher saying in a text message that he did not wish to be considered for the game.

Levein's comments about the desire to win in Dublin may have been a barbed response to that, but he concentrated on praising the players who he lauded before the game for their recent improving form.

"I was thrilled with them, not just with the way they performed, but their application was exceptional," the 46-year-old told BBC Scotland.

"I have been watching them week-in and week-out playing at the very highest level and I am not surprised by that.

"What I thought was exceptional was the way they pressed as a team, they worked back the pitch just as hard as they went forward, which is sometimes a difficult thing to do, and I have noting but praise for them in the way they did that.

"That application, I think, made the game a little bit easier because we did not give Northern Ireland a second in possession.

"We have technically some very good players, but they also have good football brains, particularly in the midfield area."

The victory in Dublin, coming 24 hours after hosts Republic of Ireland defeated Wales 3-0, leaves the Scots equal top in the new competition before it resumes in May.

Neither match was played in front of large crowds and some have questioned value of the Nations Cup, but full-back Phil Bardsley stressed the Scots' desire to lift the trophy.

"It is a great start for us and hopefully we can continue that in May," Bardsley commented.

"It was fantastic. We wanted to start this competition well and we have done that - it was a great performance and everyone played their part.

"We've got good experienced players and young hungry players who want to come in and do well.

"If we keep working hard together when we are called up for Scotland and keep doing well, I am sure we have a bright future."

Bardsley was pleased with his developing partnership with Kris Commons, who scored Scotland's third goal after Kenny Miller opened the scoring and James McArthur added the second.

Commons was also delighted with his recent form, having made a scoring start to his time at Celtic.

"We got out of the blocks nice and quick and created quite a lot of chances and it could have been maybe four or five in the end," the former Derby County winger reflected.

"It looked like we were a team that's been playing together quite some time, but there were a few making their debuts and a few out of position, so credit to the boys."

Meanwhile, Levein revealed that he had withdrawn Celtic midfielder Scott Brown from the starting line-up just before the kick-off because he had a tight groin and the Scotland coach did not want to risk further damage.

Labels: hopes, impressed, Levein, Scots

Celtic manager Neil Lennon praised his side’s performance at Ibrox after their 2-2 draw with Rangers. The Hoops came from behind twice and had to deal with the dismissal of goalkeeper Fraser Foster.

In an action packed game, Rangers went ahead after just three minutes when Jamie Ness rifled in a shot from outside the box but Celtic bounced back with a Kris Commons equaliser. Foster then saw red for fouling Steven Naismith in the box and Steven Whittaker restored Rangers lead from the spot.

Celtic were a man down when Scott Brown scored in the 64th minute but Naismith was sent off in the 75th minute to level the numbers. Lennon’s side had the upper hand in the latter stages but, despite not finding a winner, the manager was delighted with his side’s efforts.

"I thought we were absolutely brilliant," said Lennon. "Every one of the players. We had to overcome a few setbacks but played with no fear and played the way we wanted them to play.

“They set their stall out in the second half and played wonderfully well. They showed a lot of character and belief, scored two goals and created lots of chances.

"We knew at half-time that Rangers would sit it in and try to counter-attack and that would be our only danger. At half-time I said to them that there was no point in playing well and losing and that people don't remember the losers in Old Firm games.

"We controlled the game even when they had the penalty we were the dominant side and to come here and control the game is very pleasing.

"The amount of chances we created and some of the football we played was top class."

The result sets up a replay at Parkhead and guarantees seven Old Firm games this season. Asked how he felt about another Glasgow derby, Lennon said: “Absolute torture!

"I think some times it can be over-egged a bit but it's just the way the fixtures have been brought on. These are the fixtures you want to play in if you are involved in the Old Firm. These are the games that define you.

"And I will take a helluva lot of pleasure by the way my team played. I am very proud of them.

"They were brave on the ball, brave in the tackle, worked tremendously hard and when were down to 10 men we were the better team."

Labels: Celticaposs, character, impressed, Lennon, stvtv