Strachan hails Romanov’s revolution at Hearts

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan claims Hearts have the strongest squad in the Bank of Scotland Premier League - even though his side is on the verge of winning the title.

The Glasgow giants will be crowned champions tonight if they can beat second-placed Hearts at Parkhead.

But, even though he is close to clinching a league and CIS Cup double in his first season with the Hoops, Strachan is still envious of the players Vladimir Romanov has brought to Tynecastle.

“They’ve got an incredibly strong squad and are as experienced and as good as any in the Scottish league just now,” said Strachan.

Hearts have come through the departure of two managers this season and booked their place in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final with a 4-0 thrashing of Hibernian on Sunday.

Interim manager Valdas Ivanauskas will bring his side to Glasgow hoping to prolong the title race but Strachan believes it is the Hearts players that have carried the club forward in spite of their off-field troubles.

“I have not seen any change in them,” he added. “The same good players are there - the good players haven’t left.

“That is the secret to a good side. Whatever has come and gone, the reliable players always get picked.”

Strachan still finds it hard to comprehend the possibility of his side winning the championship on April 5 given the poor start the Parkhead side made to the campaign.

“I am surprised,” reflected Strachan.

“At the beginning of the season, Hearts were on a roll with experience and good players, Hibs were the most attractive football side in the country and Rangers had just won the league and were going well.

“There were four teams going for it. At this moment in time there are two teams going for it.

“We have seen two competitors off so we have got see if we can see off one more.”

If Celtic do win the title then Strachan would take more delight in seeing those around him rewarded.

“The good players have got better so because of these players, we are 17 points ahead,” he concluded. “This means we are a very good side.

“People say coaching is complicated but it is all about good players. My players have been good.

“You are only as good as the people around you, because if I’ve got good people around me then the job becomes easier.”