'No problem with fans', says Strachan

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists his side have brought criticism upon themselves by racing too far ahead too early in the SPL race.

The Hoops know they will retain their title if they beat Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, or sooner, if Rangers lose to Hearts 24 hours earlier.

The Parkhead side blew their challengers away before the turn of the year, with many pundits and fans believing the championship was effectively in the bag by January.

Celtic have won only one of their last four SPL games but despite still being 13 points ahead of second-placed Rangers, Strachan has come in for criticism in recent weeks.

A section of the Parkhead support have also turned on him, typified at last week's Tennent's Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone at Hampden when his substitution of Derek Riordan for Kenny Miller was met by a crescendo of boos.

Strachan, with more than a hint of sarcasm, said: "We have put ourselves in this position. We put ourselves 19 points clear and now we are only 13 points clear.

"We are the ones who did that big nasty thing, put ourselves under this pressure which allows people to speak about us. But I would like to win it by 20 points every season, it's not a problem.

"Because we are Celtic, there will always be opinions about us. But the only opinions that really count are mine and the players."

Strachan denied being frustrated by the supporters' reaction last week and attempted to put the blame on the negativity surrounding the club on to the media.

He said: "There is not a problem (with the fans). They are the people who have supported us through thick and thin.

"I understand that people pay their money and I respect their support. You have to take it in context, it was one decision. It depends who is giving out the criticism. If it's someone I respect then I take that as an opinion and that's fine.

"If it's not someone I respect then it doesn't count in my world. Sometimes in life people's only taste of success is taking a bite out of you."

"I've got to the point that I don't pick up the papers. I never look at sports programmes and I never, never, never listen to (radio) phone-ins.

"If I ever listen to a phone-in, I will pack in football - there you go.

"I'm very proud of my players this season, in terms of how they have handled themselves, picking up points, getting to the last-16 of the Champions League and getting to the (Scottish Cup) final," Strachan added.

"We are delighted in what we have achieved as a group this season but we strive to do better. But, because we are Celtic, people will talk about our form."

Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who injured his knee against St Johnstone last week, will be fit for Sunday.

Defender Lee Naylor, who picked up a nasty ankle injury against the Saints, is a doubt.

Midfielder Jiri Jarosik returns after an ankle injury while stopper Stephen McManus is suspended.