Gordon Strachan Looks Forward to the Visit of Falkirk

Last updated : 08 April 2009 By Clydebuilt
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has today stated that he is not treating this evenings visit of Falkirk lightly, despite the lowly position John Hughes' team find themselves in at the moment.

WGS is instead hinting that the visit of the team currently sitting at the bottom of is more dangerous than many may have forecast. The fact of the matter is that Falkirk are only 3 points behind St Mirren at the foot of the table -and the Paisley side are due to face Rangers at home tonight.

So this game could have a stake not only in were the SPL title goes this season, but also who may not be in the premier league next season, especially given that the goal difference between the two sides is a mere two goals.

"Every game means something to every team - there is no doubt about that," said Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. "We know that when we go into games.

"It's tense to start with. We have to be prepared for that. We are playing against men who are desperate not to get beat, and we feel the same. It makes for some interesting games between now and the end of the season.

"We've had everything this season in terms of results. But the teams at the bottom know how to organise themselves and make it difficult for you, which you never always had in years gone by.

"We will be tested in every way - mentally and physically. There will be times when you need to be strong in every way, so we have to be ready for everything."

That aside, Strachan offered a quiet moment of reflection in which he cast his memory back to less successful periods in his managerial career to sympathise with John Hughes plight.

"I wasn't in a relegation battle all the time when I was down in England!" smiled the Celtic boss. "There were moments though.

"I took over Coventry when they were second-bottom, and then took over Southampton when they were second-bottom, and managed to keep them both up. It's not nice, though. Being at the top of the league is far better, but being down there is very stressful. That happens in every walk of life.

"It tests you. You can't just curl up and roll over. I empathise with all the managers at the bottom of the league. I know how they feel."

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt