McManus deal suits all
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes Stephen McManus should now be striving to force his way into the Scotland squad after signing a two-year contract with the club.
The 23-year-old defender ended months of speculation by agreeing a deal which will become “more or less” three years.
McManus has been rewarded for forcing his way into the first team at Parkhead this season but a call-up to Walter Smith’s international plans have still evaded him.
But the youngster can now concentrate fully on his football and his club manager believes he will now be thinking about making another big step with Euro 2008 qualifiers looming.
Strachan said: “Walter has got his own ideas of what he wants to do.
“I know he knows about him (McManus) and enjoys watching him but I will just let Walter get on with that.
“But anybody who wants to play football should want to play for Scotland.”
McManus also has dreams of playing on the international stage but having only just become a first-team regular, he knows more hard work is needed to make that step up.
The central defender, who will come up against future team-mate and defensive rival Gary Caldwell at Hibernian on Sunday, has flourished under Strachan after failing to make an impact on the first team under Martin O’Neill.
McManus, who has made 31 appearances and scored six goals this season, said: “It’s every youngster’s ambition to play for their country and I am no different.
“But the most important thing is that you’re playing week-in, week-out for your club.
“If you don’t do that then you’ve no chance of getting picked for the international team.
“It’s up to me to keep performing and then you never know what’s around the corner.”
McManus’ contract was due to expire in the summer but Strachan claimed he was not once concerned the player would leave for nothing.
The manager continued: “I am delighted for him and the club – but I was never concerned he would walk away for nothing.
“There was always going to be a deal done so I never panicked about it. I wanted it done as quick as possible.
“It’s fantastic to work with people who actually appreciate getting worked.”
McManus admits he was in a strong bargaining position but never wanted to play for another club.
He explained: “I was in a strong position this year because I was into the final year of my contract.
“You can use everything to your advantage. I am 23 and I could have walked away for nothing.
“During negotiations you start to think it won’t happen but this was the only place I wanted to be.
“I was always confident it was going to happen in the end.
“It was my first option and I was always honest and up front about where I wanted to be.
“I am just glad to get it all sorted. It plays on your mind a little but you can’t let it affect you.
“If you do that then you won’t be in the side. I can get on with the job and focus on the end of the season now.
“It’s more or less a three-year deal so I am just happy to get it all sorted.”
