Neil Lennon believes Celtic's 2-0 win over Motherwell will give his side's confidence a huge boost heading into their Champions League match with Spartak Moscow on Tuesday.
Celtic moved to the summit of the Scottish Premier League for the first time this season as two goals in three first half minutes saw the Hoops leapfrog their hosts at the top.
Darren Randolph had already twice denied Gary Hooper, who scored all four in Celtic's win over Raith Rovers in midweek, before the striker latched on to a floated pass from Kris Commons to finish low past the keeper in the 32nd minute.
The unfortunate Adam Cummins then fired past his own keeper in the 35th minute as he attempted to clear Scott Brown's fiercely driven cross from the left.
Cummins' day got worse in the 55th minute when he was shown a straight red for hauling down Commons in the box but Randolph saved Brown's weak spot-kick.
And the Hoops boss says his side have started to hit top form at the right time.
"Everyone of them - even the subs that came on - were brilliant," Lennon said.
"We know it will be a different animal and we'll not have anywhere near the bulk of possession or chances created that we did against Motherwell but it's a huge confidence booster going into that game for us.
"Motherwell were top of the league and there was a big incentive for us to go top.
"We were very motivated going into the game and have started to really hit a bit of form which is great.
"I have been happy with the performances apart from St Johnstone but that certainly was a really good marker.
"The game against St Johnstone was certainly a lesson learned and there was a big change of attitudes going into this game."
At Fir Park, Georgios Samaras and Joe Ledley both made their returns from injury when they came off the bench in the second half.
And with Beram Kayal and Dylan McGeouch also fit again Lennon has almost a full strength squad to pick from for the crucial Champions League match in Moscow.
"It was great to see Samaras back in full flow again and it augurs well for Tuesday," Lennon said.
"The new lads are starting to settle in and we are getting quality players back fit. We need them as we have a lot of games coming up.
"I'm really excited about this group of players and I could see a lot of that manifest itself today."
Motherwell manager Stuart McCall, whose side were knocked out the League Cup by Rangers in midweek, said Well couldn't compete with Celtic.
"I think we actually started the game quite well but today you saw a rampant Celtic side. Their movement was terrific and they were all comfortable on the ball," McCall said.
"You only had to look at the subs bench - that's the strongest they've been all season.
"As much as we can look to our side, which is a young side, you have to take your hats off to them. If Celtic are playing well - and they certainly played well today - then nobody in this league will live with them. That's a fact and we know we can't get away from it.
"It could have been a lot more and we were comprehensively beaten on the day by an outstanding side."