Strachan hails Lawwell

Stachan: Praises his chief executive

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Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has hailed chief executive Peter Lawwell's running of the club amidst the current economic climate.

Since returning to the club in 2003 Lawwell has reportedly reduced the clubs debt by £31million, thus meaning that unlike many of their rivals, they will not have to sell their assets in order to survive during the current financial crisis.

Fellow SPL side Hearts are set to sell a host of their top stars in January in order to wipe out growing debt while old firm rivals Rangers have admitted they need to sell before they can buy.

During Lawwell's second tenure Strachan has gone on to win three SPL titles but despite the good work done by the chief executive, the former Coventry and Southampton manager does not expect much funds to be available this month.

"Peter runs the club the way he sees fit," Strachan said.

"People will start appreciating what Peter and the directors have done over the last two years now that you see so many clubs in danger elsewhere.

"Peter has secured this club's future, it is well and truly safe. I have no idea what the budget is.

Judgment

"We just get together and say, 'Have a look at this player, or what do you think of that one?' and if it's something that the club can afford and it's an investment then they will pull out the stops to get that player.

"But if it's out of their reach then we don't go there. I don't think there will be too much going on (this month).

"At this time of year, it's usually loans or signings for the summer. The last three years, at this period we have signed good players that have helped us achieve what we set out to do.

"Roy Keane came in, then Paul Hartley and Barry Robson last year. They were not spectacular, apart from maybe Roy, but they were important.

"But our job in terms of scouting doesn't start on January 1 it has been going on for a long time.

"We are trying to put things in place even for the summer. If nobody else comes in then why not go with the same squad?

"If I get them all fully fit then it's still a smashing squad."

Denial

Strachan was also quick to play down rumours that have linked his midfielder Scott Brown with a £9million move to Portsmouth.

"What I have to say is that I can only deal with reality," the Celtic manager added.

"If it's real, I can deal with it, I can speak about it. If it something that is a figment of someone's imagination or a rumour, or gossip or someone trying a flier, then I cannot do anything about it.

"If it's not a reality, then it's a waste of time. You might as well speak about Martians then.

"Are there Martians out there? I haven't got a clue. Is there life out there? I have no idea."