Strachan leaps to Bhoys’ defence

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan claims none of his CIS Insurance Cup semi-finalists are lacking in confidence despite failing to keep a clean sheet in 11 matches.

The Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders take on Motherwell - who have scored five times against them this season - at Hampden Park tonight for a place in the final against Dunfermline. But Strachan’s hopes of lifting his first piece of silverware as Hoops boss is being threatened by a leaky defence which has conceded 16 goals in 10 games.

He will be forced to make a change in the back four with Mark Wilson cup-tied but Stanislav Varga, Adam Virgo and Ross Wallace must fear for their places after the 3-3 draw with Dundee United as Roy Keane, new signing Dion Dublin, Paul Telfer, Stephen McManus and Mo Camara challenge for a place.