New fears for Old Firm

Gordon Strachan fears the Old Firm’s dominance of Scottish football could be coming to an end.

The Celtic manager believes the country’s game in general is in a “very good place” with the national side enjoying a resurgence while Hearts, Hibernian and Kilmarnock are battling at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Strachan was at Aberdeen in the 1980s when they and Dundee United enjoyed great success at the expense of Glasgow’s big two and he believes that could be repeated.

He said: “Scottish football, in the words of my mate in London, is in a very good place at this moment.

“There is a good challenge from Hibs and Hearts, the Scottish team is doing well so it is a good time to be a supporter or even a journalist as there is a lot to talk about.

“But I hope it’s not as good a challenge as from the New Firm. I hope it’s exciting but not as exciting as that.

“There is a possibility of that again as Celtic and Rangers are not spending £6million or £7million on players.

“Hearts are investing more which allows them to get closer.

“Hibs have put together a smashing young side, then teams likes Aberdeen have played well.”

Celtic, who travel to Easter Road on Sunday, were level on points with Hibernian and three behind league leaders Hearts going into the weekend.

Tony Mowbray’s men will be tired after Thursday’s UEFA Cup draw with Ukrainians Dnipro while Scott Brown, Gary Smith and Michael Stewart have been struck down by injuries.

But Strachan still fears the Edinburgh outfit, having seen them in midweek.

“I enjoyed watching them,” he said. “They are refreshing.

“They have a lot of good young players and they play at a good tempo so we’re both in for a right game.

“They are young men for God’s sake so why should they be tired? They’ve only played seven games so they’re fine, enthusiastic and they’re enjoying playing football.”

Strachan has fond memories of Hibernian – but only as a supporter growing up.

He added: “Hibs have a place in my memory that’s for sure.

“I’m not a Hibs fan. I’m a Hibs fan of memories. I didn’t walk about England with a Hibs scarf on but my early memories of football are of being a Hibs fan.

“If you asked me to name a Hibs team from 35-40 years ago I could do it but I couldn’t tell you the one from three weeks ago.”

Hibernian youngster Ivan Sproule has stolen the headlines recently with his hat-trick at Ibrox and winner against Dundee United – both after coming on as substitute.

But Strachan believes they have many more match winners than the Northern Ireland international.

“Sproule lifted the crowd against Dnipro, he lifted the players,” he added. “It was smashing.

“But they have a lot of good players like Greg Shiels, Scott Brown and Garry O’Connor. They are a good side.”

Strachan has a promising young star of his own waiting in the wings but the former Southampton and Coventry boss is refusing to rush the 24-year-old into action.

“Du Wei won’t play for a while,” he concluded. “He got a whack on the head in the reserves but he’s fine.

“He’s got a black eye but he played on and it didn’t bother him and that’s what I wanted to see.

“He’s brave and he’s impressed everyone so far.”