Roy Keane to make Celtic bow

Gordon Strachan is excited by the prospect of seeing Roy Keane make his debut.

Having been kept out of competitive action since his move to Celtic Park due to the fact he was not permitted to play for another club until January 1, Keane is now all set to make his bow in green and white in the Scottish FA Cup.

Keane's arrival in Glasgow after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford has been one of the stories of the season, and his debut at Clyde is widely anticipated both north and south of the border.

Strachan believes Keane too is looking forward to representing the club he supported as a boy, continuing to reveal that he recently explained to West Brom boss Bryan Robson that Celtic's tradition was the reason behind the player's decision to spurn The Premiership.

''He'll be featuring no doubt about that,'' Strachan told Sky Sports News.

''I'm excited by seeing someone excited by making their debut, I get excited about him making his debut.

''I spoke to Bryan Robson last night, he said how did you do that, sign Roy Keane?

''I spent ages with him having cups of tea, I said it's just the lure of Celtic, don't take it personally.

''I had the joker card, I had Celtic. Roy's shown his belief that Celtic is the place for him to be, I think he's excited.

''He doesn't show much emotion but I think he's excited.''

Strachan also reiterated his desire to keep Stephen Pearson despite the midfielder being subject to a bid by Preston North End.

He said: "I spoke to him and I can understand that he wants to play but he's not going anywhere."