Strachan unconcerned over sacrifices

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will have no fears about “sacrificing” big names from his team following the arrival of Roy Keane.

The former Manchester United midfielder completed an 18-month deal with the Hoops on Thursday after leaving Old Trafford by mutual consent last month.

The Irishman is now expected to make his debut in the Tennent’s Scottish third-round tie at Clyde on January 8.

But the acquisition of Keane has left a question mark over who may make way for the 34-year-old.

However, the Celtic boss admits leaving big-name players out of the side is nothing new to him this season.

Strachan said: “I have to sacrifice but I have to sacrifice eight players every week.

“I have sacrificed Alan Thompson, Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeady, John Hartson and others this season and they are big, big players.

“There are loads of big players who have been left out for other people.

“It is a hard job, but it is a great job picking from these players.”

The Celtic squad will travel to Inverness this weekend for Sunday’s game at the Caledonian Stadium without Keane.

But, while the Hoops players may be aiming to prove their worth to Strachan after the Irishman’s arrival, the Celtic boss insists his players do not need any further motivation.

He added: “These guys don’t need motivating. These guys have shown this season they don’t need any artificial motivations.

“What they will do is just enjoy having another great player around them.”

Keane has been backed to live up to his billing at Celtic Park by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes joining the Glasgow giants was the best move he could have made.

Keane left Old Trafford after falling out with the United boss after reportedly criticising team-mates in an interview with MUTV which was withdrawn from broadcast.

Ferguson said: “I thought it was the right move for him and he will obviously do great.”

Keane, who linked up with his new Celtic team-mates today, admitted his relationship with Ferguson had “come to an end”.

But Strachan has no fears over the controversial midfielder becoming a disruptive influence in the Celtic Park dressing room.

He said: “I am not concerned about him unsettling us and as to where I see him fitting in is up to me.”

The Celtic boss added: “You talk about Roy’s temperament as somebody who stands up in the dressing room.

“It happens in plenty of dressing rooms – this is not a new phenomena.

“It is what happens when you feel passionate about something. I have done a bit myself at half-time and full-time.”

Indeed, Strachan believes Keane will be welcomed by everyone at the club.

He said: “It is a great family of football and they appreciate great players.

“I was at good clubs and great players would come along. That was an opportunity for my team to get better and, if my team is getting better, there is a chance of winning things.”

Strachan believes the other senior players have just as much “presence” at Celtic as Keane will.

The former Republic of Ireland international midfielder opted for a move to the club – after interest from Real Madrid and English clubs.

And now the Hoops boss believes his younger players can benefit from the addition of another big-name in their ranks.

Strachan added: “There is an aura about Roy, but there is a presence about other people.

“We are lucky to have players with that presence when they walk on to the training field.

“Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson and Stilian Petrov also have it, but Roy Keane is a new player here and a world star.

“The other players are not idolising him at all – they are just happy he is here.

“They appreciate good players, but they look up to Lennon and Thompson and all these guys who have been here before.”

Celtic are continuing to talk with Stilian Petrov over a new contract but Strachan insists he is unconcerned that agreement has not yet been reached.

He said: “It doesn’t frustrate me. I have explained that many a time.”