Nicholas: Strachan must strengthen for Europe

Charlie Nicholas believes Celtic manager Gordon Strachan might still need five new summer signings to get through the Champions League stages with Roy Keane a thing of the past.

The former Parkhead striker believes the supporters will never see the ageing Irish legend in the Hoops again as he will hang up his boots on the advice of the specialist.

That will be a major blow to Celtic and regardless of Bosman signings Kenny Miller, Gary Caldwell and Derek Riordan arriving, Nicholas hopes they are just the beginning.

The former Scotland and Arsenal star said: “I don’t see why Celtic shouldn’t do better in Europe next time.

“The experience of last year, being badly damaged by Artmedia Bratislava, will stick in their throats.

“Hopefully for their sake they will be prepared for it this time and have the right players in place.

“Gordon needs four or five new signings to even get through the Champions League group stages.

“They have the Caldwells, Millers and Riordans but that is nowhere near enough.

“I would be very surprised if Roy Keane comes back. I don’t think we will see him at Celtic Park next season.”

Nicholas believes Riordan, who will join the club from Hibernian in January, is a Celtic type-player.

But he believes now is the time for him to come of age and stop hiding behind the youngster tag.

Nicholas added: “The lad has got talent, he scores goals and is a Celtic-type player.

“But he plays in the same position as Shaun Maloney. I don’t know where Gordon is planning to play him.

“He seems a bit of a wildcat but most importantly he is a good player.

“People keep talking about this youngster but he’s 23 now and it is time he kicked on.

“He has to prove himself at the top level and this is his opportunity – but he might have to wait until January.”

Nicholas disagreed with Strachan’s decision to withdraw Maloney, Stephen McManus and David Marshall from Scotland’s triumphant Kirin Cup trip.

But he believes the young goalkeeper will be the biggest loser as he has lost his number two place to Neil Alexander following his impressive performances in Japan.

Nicholas concluded: “I don’t understand that.

“I could understand Scotland internationals being a problem with domestic competitions and in Europe but sending them to testimonials.

“What Walter Smith will find now is he can say to the Celtic boys ‘you can probably be in the squad if you are playing well’, but if not don’t expect to be in the team.

“I felt for Marshall because Maloney and McManus would still be in the squads. But he has been having a hard time and it is difficult because Alexander came in, suddenly did well and he’ll now be the number two.

“Marshall might not be at Celtic next season, is a guy just left out in the cold, so I have some sympathy for them.

“I don’t know how keen they were to play in the testimonials but I was surprised. Celtic should have let them go.”