Strachan looking to maintain Parkhead pride

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan will take no succour from the Hoops’ impressive home record against English clubs in Europe when Manchester United visit tonight.

The Champions League holders arrived in Glasgow yesterday confident of doing the double over the Parkhead men after a convincing 3-0 win in their Group E clash at Old Trafford last month.

Celtic have only been beaten by Barcelona, twice, at home in the Champions League.

On top of that, over the years they have recorded four European wins and two draws in seven games against English opposition in the east end of Glasgow.

Nottingham Forest beat Celtic 2-1 in the UEFA Cup third round in the 1983/84 season following a goalless draw at the City Ground in the first leg.

When asked if he could take heart from the club’s home record against English teams, Strachan, who played for Manchester United from 1984 until 1989, laughed: “Not really, no. And I know for a fact that Manchester United are a far better team now than they were in 1984 because I played for them then.

“The fans will come here to see great players and see us winning so it will be great if they see great players and see us winning as well, or at least give them a game. That’s what we will try and do.

“European nights are fantastic at Celtic Park. Whatever happens in our careers as managers and coaches, it will not get any better than European nights here.

“This is a magical place and throughout the generations we have managed to create memories for the fans and there have been some special, special nights here that I will never forget and I’m sure the players feel the same way.

“We beat Manchester United here two years ago but I still think the most memorable European night here was when we played Spartak Moscow.

“That night had everything and the image of Tommy Burns flying through the air on top of the players at the end of the game will never ever leave me.

“Can we do it? Yes, we can do but we can also get beat, everybody knows that. But it will be a special occasion.”