Ange Postecoglou has taken Celtic to 'another level' and produced a style of football other teams 'aspire' to, according to Ross County boss Malky Mackay.

The Premiership champions travel to Dingwall to take on Mackay's men on Saturday before a return visit in the League Cup on August 31, with the Staggies boss full of praise for the way his Parkhead counterpart has taken to the Celtic job.

“Ange has taken Celtic to another level again – that’s great credit to him as a coach,” Mackay told The Ross-shire Journal.

“He’s had the strength of character and leadership, the backbone, to come in from the other side of the world and be a success in one of the most high-pressure jobs in football.

“It’s not easy to stand in those shoes, but he has recruited well and imposed his style of football, which is clear to see."

That style of play is something Mackay not only admires but aspires to replicate as much as possible on his admittedly smaller budget.

“It is a very distinct style they’ve got, which is something we aspire to," Mackay added.

"Yes, we are a small team in the Highlands and we know where we are budget-wise in this league.

"But it is my job to ensure we have a journey here to make sure we have one of the best teams in Scotland – and last year we proved we were one of the best teams in this country.”