Strachan happy with Celts’ busy schedule

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NO PROBLEM: Celtic manger Gordon Strachan.

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has no problems with tonight’s CIS Cup quarter-final tie against Kilmarnock adding to an already packed fixture list.

The Hoops go into the game on the back of a Champions League defeat by Manchester United and a league win over Hibernian in the past week.

There is no breathing space for Strachan’s men, who face Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday before their re-match against the European champions at Parkhead the following Wednesday.

The Celtic squad is already stretched due to injuries to target men Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Georgios Samaras and Chris Killen, and midfielder Marc Crosas.

And Strachan, pictured, is waiting to see if skipper Stephen McManus recovers from a tight hamstring for the trip to Ayrshire. However, Strachan refused to diminish the importance of the League Cup.

“If you want to play at a top club, you have to play in a lot of games, so we don’t have a problem with it,” he said.

“Where else can we squeeze them in?

“You only play four games to get to the final.

“The organisers helped us out by missing us out in the first rounds, so we can’t complain too much.

“If the performance is the same as on Saturday, I will be pleased.

“It would be nice and handy to keep winning and keep the momentum going.

“If there is something else there after the New Year (semi-final) then that would be fantastic.”

Kilmarnock have surprised most people by forging their way into third place in the SPL but Strachan knows his side are expected to make it past Jim Jefferies’ men.

He said: “You will say it is going to be a tight game because they are third.

“You will say it is going to be a tight game because they are playing well.

“And if we don’t win, it will be a complete and utter sensation.

“Kilmarnock are built up to be having a great season but if we don’t win, all the usual nonsense will come out.”