Gordon Strachan has today extolled the virtues of his players who ended a dismal run of results to get back to winning ways with a festive result at Tannadice. And as if that wasn't enough a Clean sheet was also wrapped up and placed under the tree!
The manager has had a hard time of late, and must feel that he cant win regardless of his actions, even when those actions are vindicated. The return of Bobo Balde to the team was welcomed by all and since that return also coincided with a clean sheet many are stating that the manager should have returned Bobo to the fray earlier. That knee jerk reaction is as ludicrous as suggest that the clean sheet also coincided with the absence of Artur Boruc!
Joking aside however this game was a must win and now we can look forward to the visit of Gretna whilst the Currants face probably the trickiest tie outwith Glasgow prior to the visit of sour tolerant cousins.
Strachan hailed the spirit of his players saying "We realised the result against Hibs had put greater pressure on us," the manager explained after the Tannadice triumph, "but with that greater pressure came a really solid performance.
"We spelled out before the game where we are and what we have to do to retain the Championship. I felt we did that today and we were allowed to get on with the job up front as there were no mistakes at the back."
On the return of Bobo Strachan was frank, "I felt we needed to change the back four," Strachan said, "and although Steven (Pressley) may feel a little unlucky, I was happy with the performance.
"We have given away silly goals and we have been punished so we had to eradicate those mistakes. I thought Bobo did very well. He has been training well and did very in the game."
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt