Strachan targets early deals
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan plans to have his summer signings in place before the World Cup kicks off on June 9.
Strachan admits he may travel to watch matches in Germany, but he is highly unlikely to swoop for any players on show.
“I hope to have all my business finalised before the World Cup starts,” said Strachan.
“We have positions we need back-up for.
“I don’t want to be in the same position as last season when it was a hectic summer.
“I might go to the World Cup but I don’t want to be spooked into signings.
“Going to major tournaments is good. During Euro 2004 I was working with the BBC and managed to take in 11 games in 10 days because of the access you get.”
But one player who appears close to committing his future to the club is defender Stephen McManus.
The 23-year-old is out of contract at Parkhead in the summer and Strachan is delighted an agreement looks likely.
The Scot added: “Stephen is as important to this club as any player.
“The talks to sign him up have been going well and we’re not too far away now.
“Stephen only had about three per cent of playing time in the two seasons before this one.
“He has played 90 per cent of the games this time and that’s a big shift to cope with physically and mentally.
“Stephen is a sponge for information and takes what he can out on to the pitch.
“He is the one who does our talking at the back and he is maturing all the time.
“When you look in his eyes you know he is listening. Guys like Stephen are one of the reasons why you become a coach.”
The young Scot has also caught the eye of veteran Dion Dublin, who rates him the pick of the bunch.
The former England striker told the Celtic View: “It’s the young players who’ve impressed me most.
“To me it looks like they’re already the backbone to Celtic Football Club and if I had to pick one player who’s impressed me more than anyone it would be Stephen.
“He has the potential to be a top-class centre-half. Having played that position I also try and pass one or two things and I can see that Mick is a good listener and, not only that, someone you can see putting into practice the things he’s been taught on the training ground.”
