Strachan predicts big future for new little Bhoy McGlinchey

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan welcomed the latest recruit from the club’s youth policy — then joked about the addition of another diminutive player to his squad.

Forward Michael McGlinchey made his debut as a second-half substitute during the Hoops 2-1 Bank of Scotland Premier League win over Livingston.

Recently, the Celtic Park youth system has produced players such as Shaun Maloney, Ross Wallace and Aiden McGeady, who have an average height of five feet, eight inches.

McGlinchey, just 18 years old, replaced McGeady in the 74th minute and could have become an instant hero but fired wide after being set up inside the Livi penalty area by John Hartson.

The Bhoys went on to clinch the three points with a late strike from Shunsuke Nakamura.

But Strachan insists McGlinchey's goalscoring record on the training ground earned him the first-team promotion ahead of Simon Ferry.

Strachan said: "Michael did well for us. Simon Ferry was close, but Michael won the vote because he has been scoring goals on the training ground.

"I was surprised when he missed that chance after big John rolled him in, but he looked more comfortable the longer the game went on.

"I wish they could all be five or six inches taller though, they seem to be cloned at that size by Tommy Burns.

"Michael has bravery and a great change of pace, but we might have to have a look at him a couple of times, then put him back to learn his trade."

Strachan highlighted a lack of presence in his team amid concern about recent form as he looked forward to the trip to second-placed Hearts on New Year's Day.

He said: "We need to play better than we've done in recent weeks. The priority is to win, but you want a performance at the same time.

"We have picked up points, but we would like to play better. I got half a performance against Livingston. I thought it was good in the first half, but the second half wasn't as good.

"We will need to be more physical at Hearts. Sometimes, we play so much football that we give ourselves problems.

"Sometimes, we just have to put the ball forward, be physical and get a couple of scraps."

Meanwhile Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell believes the introduction of Roy Keane alongside Bobo Balde will put an end to the Guinean's erratic defending for Celtic.

Keane is expected to make his Celtic debut in the Tennent's Scottish Cup third round tie with Clyde on January 8, while Balde will be with Guinea at the African Nations Cup.

But, when the former Toulouse defender returns to Glasgow from Egypt, Gemmell believes the pairing with Keane is the best and least risky option for Hoops boss Gordon Strachan.

He said: "I was at the game and it was a bad defensive error from Balde and he could have cost Celtic.

"He could have done anything with the ball, but dwelt on it, then made a hash of it and lost it.

"He did the same in the UEFA Cup final in 2003 and cost Celtic the cup that night.

"He should just stick to what he is good at. I would play Roy Keane alongside him. I also would find a place for Stephen McManus, but, in my opinion, the best pairing is Keane and Balde because Roy's skill and experience will keep him right."