Old pal Albiston convinced Strachan will be king of Parkhead
The former Coventry and Southampton boss will be unveiled at Celtic Park at 10am today after taking over from Martin O'Neill.
O'Neill is taking a break from football to care for his ill wife, Geraldine, while Strachan has taken the decision to throw himself back into the game following a 15-month sabbatical.
The ex-Scottish international quit Southampton in February 2004 but clearly felt the time was right to make a return to football.
O'Neill left the east end of Glasgow as a hero after five years of success culminating in the Tennent's Scottish Cup win over Dundee United at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Now Albiston, who played with Strachan for Manchester United and Scotland, has backed the Aberdeen legend to match O'Neill's achievements.
He said: "Gordon has been out of football for about a year and I know what he's like, he would have been itching to get back into the job.
"It will be difficult to follow Martin O'Neill's achievements, but, if there is anyone who can match or better what he has done, then it's Gordon.
"He is at his best when he is under pressure and, because he has played in Scotland with Aberdeen, he knows what it's all about. I'm sure he will relish the pressure that comes with being Celtic manager."
Albiston believes any fans who are still not convinced by the appointment of Strachan will change their opinions when he starts clocking up results and silverware.
He added: "The supporters know how good a player he was.
"That goes out of the window when you are a manager, but he did well at Coventry and Southampton sometimes under difficult circumstances and will do well at Celtic.
"Celtic have picked the right guy and that will be borne out by the prizes he will win."
The most successful route to winning the affections of the Celtic fans is inflicting misery on Old Firm rivals, Rangers.
O'Neill passed his initiation test with flying colours when he guided Celtic to a 6-2 victory in his first derby match in August 2000 but Old Firm games are about to become even more interesting.
Strachan and Rangers boss Alex McLeish were both part of the Aberdeen side which lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1983.
Albiston predicts the sparks will fly, but is convinced their friendship will survive the bitter rivalry.
He said: "His old pal Alex McLeish is at Ibrox and I'm sure that will mean some added spice.
"They are two big characters and will both be trying to outdo each other. But they were team-mates, they are still big pals and I'm sure the friendship won't suffer."
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