Sutton doubtful for Old Firm Cup showdown

Falkirk 0 Celtic 3

The Englishman’s absence with a worrying knee problem was hardly missed as the Glasgow giants marched to a 3-0 win at Falkirk. John Hartson bagged his 100th goal in the Celtic shirt after Shaun Maloney and Aiden McGeady, in only his second start this season, had given them a commanding half-time lead.

But despite Rangers’ current troubles, Strachan admits he would still be happier with Sutton back in the side. He said: “It’s something at the back of the knee, lower than his hamstring so I don’t know.

“He might be fit for Wednesday. I would love him to be fit because he is a huge player for us with his size and presence as well. We knew for a couple of days he wasn’t playing so we had to get on with it and we did.”

It was a special day for Hartson, having reached the magical milestone and after much-publicised off-the-field problems, Strachan paid tribute to him.

“It hasn’t been easy for him the last couple of months,” said the Scot. “I am delighted because he played well again but I wouldn’t know how many more he can score.”

Falkirk manager John Hughes said: “He is a top class striker and knows how to play the game. He sometimes gets a hard time from the referees but he is only using his strengths and power. I joked with him that he had mis-hit his shot but he was there to take it so he is a right good player.”

McGeady sent a reminder to Strachan with an electric performance - particularly in the first-half - which did not go unnoticed by the manager. The Republic of Ireland international winger returned to the side for his first start since the opening day 4-4 draw with Motherwell. But Strachan added: “He deserves it for the way he came into the team.

“His training and his performances are excellent so he deserved everything he gets because his all-round work has been fantastic. He prepared himself for this day and he took his chance as well.”

Celtic go into the first of their Old Firm double-header with their tails up but Strachan had a word of caution.

“Life is alright at the moment but that can change dramatically as we all know,” he said.

“I am very pleased with the performance and I couldn’t ask for any more and they have made my job easier.”

Celtic went above Hearts on goal difference while they are a huge 12 points clear of struggling Rangers.

But Hughes believes the men from Parkhead will be tough to catch at the top of the table. The former Hoops player concluded: “For Scottish football I hope Hearts really hang in there for as long as they can. I don’t know what’s going on at the club but all credit to their players for the way they have bounced back.

“But they will have to go some to beat that because Celtic knock the ball around really well. But there are plenty of ways to skin a cat. We just weren’t good enough to have a go and that’s really disappointing.”

FALKIRK: Glennon, Lawrie, Scally, Milne, Ireland, Latapy (McBreen 70), Steven Thomson, Moutinho (Lima 57), O’Donnell (O’Neil 68), Gow, Duffy.

CELTIC: Boruc, Telfer, Camara, Balde, McManus, Petrov (Pearson 75), Lennon, Nakamura, McGeady, Maloney (Virgo 83), Hartson (Wallace 83).

Referee: C Murray (Scotland).