Celtic maintained their one point lead in the SPL after the 2-0 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday and as we head into the pivotal post-split fixtures boss Strachan is happy with the form shown by his team. "People got full value for money and we all enjoyed it." he said "We have the onus on us to perform which we did and the fans saw a lot of exciting football and one very good goal. We had a big week and what we had to do at training, we did well."
"So if you get a performance such as that you should enjoy it for a while," added the Celtic boss. "Enjoy the satisfaction of the performance and the way we played. That's the best we have played against Aberdeen for a long time. I thought we could have got more but they defended well and worked hard."
It was perhaps an acknowledgement of the team's inability to perform to the same level away from Celtic Park that prompted Strachan to wish that the live TV cameras covered our home games instead. "This game would have been perfect to show live." he said. "What you saw was magnificent football. Aberdeen having a go, players working hard, good systems, crowds, sunshine, perfect pitch. We don't show that. It's a complete nonsense what we have to do. Rangers and Celtic have to play away from home every week when you see them live on the telly. You don't see that with Manchester United and Liverpool."
Celtic took the first team squad to Spain yesterday hoping that the break in the sunshine will help galvanise the team for the final assault in this title battle. Glenn Loovens thinks that his compatriot Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is finally finding his peak form at just the right time following another goal and an assist at the weekend. "He is not only scoring goals, but he is playing really well." said the big defender. "I am pleased for him and it's four goals in a row now which shows he has put his injury problems behind him. When things were not going well he worked hard every day in training and he is getting his reward now. He is a good player and a good scorer. I would love to see him still here next season. We are top of the table with five games to go. The Old Firm game will be crucial."