Anthony Stokes admits it was a great feeling to clinch the Scottish Premier League title on the weekend.
The Hoops obliterated Kilmarnock 6-0 at Rugby Park to secure their 43rd league title and it was even more special after some people, particularly from Old Firm rivals Rangers, suggested the Parkhead club were not even the best team in Scotland.
But after maintaining their 18-point lead over Rangers, which is now insurmountable, Stokes was over the moon to prove that Celtic are indeed the 2011/12 Scottish champions.
"I don't think I need to name names, but it was their words and opinions. They've had their say.
"We didn't need to use it as motivation. Not winning the title in four years has been motivation enough.
"But it was nice for us to prove beyond doubt we're the best team in the country.
"Some of the football we've played at times has been brilliant. It's been a joy to be involved in.
"We missed out by one point last year, which was hard to take. We played some great stuff back then as well, but that just makes this triumph all the sweeter.""It's a great feeling to be champions. We have waited a long time for it. There have been a few comments from certain people that the lads have picked up on," Stokes said.
