Strachan has no regrets after McGeady omission

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has no regrets about his controversial decision to leave Aiden McGeady out of Saturday’s Old Firm defeat at Ibrox.

Strachan’s decision to give Shaun Maloney his first SPL start of the year at the expense of the Republic of Ireland international was the main talking point after the Light Blues’ 1-0 win, which took them two points clear of the Premier League champions with three games remaining. Seething Hoops supporters besieged radio and newspaper phone-ins and fans’ message boards criticising THE team selection.

At the pre-match press conference ahead of today’s visit of Dundee United Strachan, as usual, refused to give any credence to fans’ forums.

However, when one reporter alluded to the possibility the Parkhead boss might have regrets about his starting XI, he retorted, “none whatsoever,” before bringing proceedings to a halt.

Earlier, the former Southampton and Coventry boss had reiterated his belief there was little wrong with his side’s performance on Saturday.

“That was the best we had played against Rangers in the league,” he said.

“We were unfortunate not to take something from the game. I can’t ask any more. The players can be downhearted about the result but they can have no regrets about their performance,” he said.

Parkhead defender Gary Caldwell also dismissed opinions posted on fan’ forums and urged “real” Celtic fans to drive the champions on to their fourth title in succession.

“These people who write in and phone in, I don’t know where they come from and who they are but I don’t think we should talk about them,” he said.

“I think we should talk about the fans who come and support us. .

“We have two home games to go, two full houses and the real fans can get behind us, carry us over the line and win another championship.”