Celtic go into tomorrow's Ibrox clash one point clear at the top of the SPL but with only three games to follow the Glasgow derby it's obvious that the game against the Huns is going to be pivotal in deciding the destination of the title. Manager Strachan recalled the 1-0 victory, courtesy of Scott McDonald's superb strike, on their last visit to Ibrox in December last year and the Celtic manager believes that a spot of genius could decide this game too. "It's all down to players really," he said. "It has been that way for over 100 years. Good players win games and hopefully that will be the case again. We won at Ibrox the last time with a cracking goal from Scott. In the first game of the season, Mendes scored a goal that sealed it for Rangers. It seems to be decided by good players at the moment."
Inspirational midfielder Scott Brown will sit out the second game of his two-match suspension but the manager was very happy with his replacement last week and he'll have no worries at playing the vastly experienced Paul Hartley at Ibrox. The boss was asked if Barry Robson was likely to play a part in the derby. "I hope so," said the manager. "Barry trained on Thursday. That was the first time in a while and he just looks the same. He's infectious and a great character. It's good to have him back. He has a chance of playing."
"Scott will be missed, but we handled the blow of losing him last year." said Strachan. "He missed a few games in the run-in and we handled it. He's been fantastic this season, but Paul Hartley stepped in and helped us win 3-1 at Pittodrie last week - a place where we lost 4-2 the last time."
Stephen McManus looks likely to miss out with his latest injury but again the manager is not overly concerned at the prospect of Glenn Loovens replacing 'Mick' at the heart of the defence at Ibrox. "Glenn has been a top player for us." said the boss. "It's just been unfortunate that he's been up against one of the country's best players in Gary Caldwell and our captain, Stephen McManus. But Glenn has been a fantastic signing for us."
Manager Strachan, as you would expect, refused to concede that the league would be won or lost at Ibrox tomorrow. "Will it be a league decider?" he said. "I don't think so. But like every game we have played so far, it has relevance. Every game is a turning point. If we win, it will give us an advantage until the next game. If Rangers win, it will give them an advantage until the next game."