Top spot no consolation for Strachan

Published: 24/12/2008

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists the guarantee of leading the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after Saturday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox will mean nothing to him in the event of a defeat.

The champions recovered from a 4-2 loss to Rangers at Parkhead earlier in the season to go on a 12-match winning run in the SPL, which took them back top of the table.

However, Strachan, will not not take any comfort from his side's table-topping position if the Light Blues rack up their second Old Firm win of the season. "It will mean nothing on Saturday night if we get beaten," he said. "The pain of any defeat isn't helped by looking at the table."

He added: "I've been top of the league before and lost to Falkirk and never felt as bad."

Somewhat contradictory, Strachan, who has won only once in six attempts at Ibrox as Celtic boss, does not put too much stress on the result with regards the title race.

He said: "It has been shown over the years that it has not been huge.

"It is other results, surprise defeats, that have been costly, although to be fair, every game counts.

"But Ibrox is a place where you should enjoy going to play because there is a fantastic atmosphere and, as a footballer, it's fun to go and play in places like that."

Strachan insists August's comprehensive defeat to Rangers had no impact on him or his players.

He said: "I didn't analyse it that much. I don't think you need to analyse it that much."