Strachan rejects McNamara claims

MANAGER Gordon Strachan and chief executive Peter Lawwell yesterday hit back at Jackie McNamara’s claims that Celtic “gambled on his loyalty” after his shock move to Wolves.

The skipper stunned Celtic on Tuesday by rejecting their new contract offer to sign with the Championship side.

But Strachan dismissed claims it was prompted by a failure on his or the board’s part to make him feel wanted.

He said: “Jackie was the first player I spoke to face to face after arriving, and I made it clear not only that I wanted him at the club, but also what I wanted and expected from him over the next couple of seasons.

“While it’s disappointing that the outcome isn’t what we would have wished, it’s not fair to say that Jackie wasn’t wanted. He was more than wanted,” Strachan said.