Ange Postecoglou insists Callum McGregor had nothing to prove by playing through an injury against Rangers.
But he admits it's testament to his captain's character that even a severe facial injury couldn't keep him out of Wednesday's derby.
McGregor played a key part in the thumping Parkhead victory that flipped the script on the Premiership title race and sent Celtic to the top of the tree.
He did so wearing a protective mask after he took a blow to the face in the Scottish Cup win over Alloa in January.
Midfielder Matt O'Riley labelled him an "inspiration" for returning so quickly to face Rangers and Postecoglou echoed those sentiments - even if he's adamant his "outstanding" captain had nothing to prove.
He said: "I don't want anyone hurt and trying to prove their character in that manner, but it's a testament to him as a person.
"He had it in his mind that if everything checked out then he wanted to be out there.
"He was one of the few that had experienced the atmosphere in a derby and he knew that without him and Nir Bitton, they were going to lack a bit of experience.
"He didn't prove anything to me or to anyone else, we already know what an outstanding person he is. But it's testament to him that he not only went out there, but he played really well.
"That is inspiring to everyone."
Postecoglou goes into Sunday's clash with Motherwell with a boosted squad as Nir Bitton returns while Tom Rogic is back from internationals.
And he insists his Australian playmaker won't be given a break on account of his long journey home - he goes straight in for the trip to Fir Park.
The boss added: "Everyone's fine. There was a couple of sort of niggly ones, but we have Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton back, and Daizen Maeda's fully available as well now.
"We don't do breaks during the year, he will get a break at the end of the year like everyone else.
"He's back and ready to play."
