CHAMPAGNE was the drink of choice in the home dressing room.

The visitors were contemplating more humble fare.

"Celtic deserve the title and while they are having their celebrations we will be having some fish and chips," said Terry Butcher, manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, anticipating a brief stop on the way home.

The former England internationalist was gracious about Celtic and hopes the champions can help his side's cause as they chase a Europa League spot. "It's hard to stop them when they are in that mood," said Butcher after four second-half goals from the champions ensured Inverness remain six points behind Motherwell in third place.

"We now have four matches left to try to get into Europe. I hope Celtic can do us a few favours but we have to help ourselves."

Butcher, a former Rangers captain, said the absence of the Ibrox side from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League had presented a challenge to Celtic and an opportunity to other sides.

"Nearly every team has taken points off Celtic at some stage this season," he said. "It could be because they are not being pressed by Rangers and the edge has gone off their game, but I don't think so. Everyone has had a go and with Rangers not in the league there is money and places available.

"Everybody has worked their socks off but we are not in the same league. It's been difficult for Celtic because they have not had Rangers with them."

Butcher said he missed Lennon on the sidelines as the Celtic manager served the first of his three-match ban for using offensive language during a match against St Mirren last month.

"I don't think I would have sworn at him but I did miss him," said the Inverness manager. He admitted mischievously that he said "bloody" once, adding: "I don't think there was a microphone near me. If there was, I would have booted it into touch although I'd have probably got reported for that as well."