Crainey: Youngsters will get chance under Strachan

Former Celtic defender Stephen Crainey believes the talented youngsters he left behind at Parkhead have a better chance of succeeding under Gordon Strachan than they did under Martin O’Neill.

The 24-year-old Scotland international felt his opportunities were limited under the Irishman before he signed for Strachan at Southampton in February 2004.

Crainey, now at Leeds, enjoyed his time at St Mary’s and he believes the likes of Aiden McGeady, David Marshall, Ross Wallace, Michael Gardyne and Paul Lawson will get their chance.

“In general there are a good bunch of boys at Celtic,” Crainey said. “They just need an opportunity to show what they can do.

“They will keep plugging away to try and get into the first 11.

“I had to get out and move on. It’s all about individual careers and what you want to do in the future.”