Falkirk head coach Eddie May praised his collection of second-stringers, youth players and veterans after they fought out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Celtic.
Despite losing three key players - Jackie McNamara, Burton O'Brien and Kjartan Finnbogason - from a squad already pared to the bone by budget cuts, May's side claimed a point against the Clydesdale Bank Premier League's top side.
The Bairns had twice led Celtic but trailed 3-2 until Mark Stewart's 83rd-minute equaliser.
"Football's a funny thing - you can put out your strongest team and get beaten," May told Sky Sports.
"We deserved a point. Should we have won it? Well, Celtic created a number of chances so I think a draw was about right."
Falkirk are still without a win this season and remain bottom but May was heartened by his team's fighting qualities.
He added: "It's important to show the home crowd that we are willing to do the things needed to stay in the league."
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray admitted the Europa League trip to Hamburg might have resulted in a lacklustre performance from his players.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm trying to find excuses. We had a high-energy, high-emotion game against Hamburg on Thursday.
"I think we know as a team we have to defend better, and it's very disappointing to concede three goals."
