The Holland international joined many of his compatriots last Saturday by watching Scotland's late defeat by Italy on television.

And he revealed Scotland's memorable campaign has earned them admirers on the continent.

"I can only talk positively about Scotland," the former PSV Eindhoven striker said.

"It was a great run, I think everyone wanted Scotland to qualify.

"Everyone in Holland said it would be nice to see Scotland qualify.

"It's a shame that people with pride for their country are not going to compete at the finals.

"It's not nice because you want the real football teams, from where football came from, in the finals.

"I really enjoyed the Scotland game - not the end of course - but the build-up to it and the whole country watched the game.

"The game was on in Holland before our national game.

"Everyone texted me to say how the atmosphere was great, with the Proclaimers before the game.

"It's nice to hear positive things from your own country about this country.

"I hope we can get it also with Celtic and get to the next stage of the Champions League."

Vennegoor of Hesselink missed his country's campaign finale - they qualified with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg - as he recovered from a hamstring problem.

But he believes he can now leave behind the injury problems that have hindered his time at Parkhead.

"I had two-and-a-half weeks to rest a little bit and let's hope it's behind me now," he said.

"Last year I had a few injuries and this year only the hamstring."

The target man's form has been the subject of debate among the Celtic support.

The 29-year-old has netted six times this season while former Motherwell striker Scott McDonald is Scotland's top scorer with 13.

But Vennegoor of Hesselink is confident he will always contribute to the cause.

"I scored some goals at the beginning of the season," he said.

"Sometimes if you don't score goals and you always hope to improve.

"Sometimes you don't feel your best but you have to work really hard."

The Dutchman spoke of his admiration for McDonald's form but stressed that Celtic will only continue their success if all the squad members weigh in.

"I like players who are quick around me, and who can run into the channels, and also score goals of course," the 29-year-old said.

"Scott had a tremendous start at the club and has scored a lot of goals.

"That's the thing, we have to help each other.

"Now it's Scott, next time it may be Scott Brown. We have to play as a team and do it together."