Celtic defender Liam Scales insists the Hoops will return stronger next season after their disappointing Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen.
The defeat on penalties at Hampden Park ended Celtic's hopes of a domestic treble.
They had taken the lead in the 39th minute through an own goal by Alfie Dorrington.
However, a mistake by Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel in the 83rd minute allowed Aberdeen to equalise, and they went on to win on penalties.
Dimitar Mitov, Aberdeen's goalkeeper, was the hero of the day, saving penalties from Celtic skipper Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston.
This victory brought the cup back to Aberdeen for the first time in 35 years.
Reflecting on the season, Scales acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic.
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He said: "We didn’t hit the heights we wanted to and then the longer it went on, it could have gone either way and that’s what happened with the penalties.
"But credit to Aberdeen, congratulations to them but we’ll be back stronger next season."
Scales admitted that both goals were scrappy and that Celtic didn't create as many chances as they would have liked.
However, he said there were many positives to take from the season.
He said: "Our league campaign was brilliant; our Champions League campaign was brilliant, and we won the League Cup, so there are a lot of positives to take.
"We dominated in the league, and we showed in the Champions League more so than in previous years, we improved a lot, so we are going in the right direction."
Scales also spoke about the team's hunger and drive, and how the cup final loss would serve as motivation for next season.
He said: "We are full of hunger and drive, but when something like that happens it sort of kicks you up the backside, and so I am looking forward to getting in next season and going again."
The defeat was particularly hard for McGregor, who missed Celtic's first penalty in the shootout.
The midfielder, who has won 24 major honours with the club, was in tears at the end of the match.
Scales praised McGregor's bravery and leadership, saying: "He leads by example and he puts his heart on the line every week.
"He plays every game like it’s his last and he was obviously disappointed he missed the penalty, but we wouldn’t put any blame on him at all.
"He was brave enough to step up and take the first one.
"He’s a top player, and it happens to everyone, it’s football, and he’ll bounce back."
Scales said the reaction from McGregor showed his winning mentality and hunger for success.
He added: "That’s just the way he is, he is non-stop, he just wants to win all the time, and the reaction you’ve seen, that’s why, he’s just top class."
The 26-year-old defender also spoke about the need for rest over the summer before coming back refreshed for next season.
He said: "I think everyone needs a rest and just recover over the summer.
"The next few days will probably be tough, but we had a good season overall.
"We came so close to winning the treble, a penalty shoot-out.
"It is tough because the last game of the season ends on a sour note but we will have a few days to sort of feel sorry for ourselves, enjoy our summer then get back in for next season."
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