European long haul won't worry Strachan
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is refusing to worry about the possibility of a gruelling trip to Kazakhstan in the Champions League second qualifying round.
While the immediate feeling is that the Glasgow giants have been dealt a tough draw against the winners of Kairat Almady or Slovakians Artmedia Bratislava, it has failed to dampen the enthusiasm and confidence of the canny Scot.
If Kairat prove successful in the first qualifying round, Celtic face a tiring trip to near China and return just hours before they are due to face Motherwell at Fir Park.
But an upbeat Strachan told the club’s website, www.celticfc.net: “I didn’t have any massive preference beforehand so, no, I can’t say that I’m too disappointed that we haven’t drawn against a team a little closer to home.
“I’m just looking forward to the European games full stop.
“Obviously there are logistical issues involved, particularly if we have to go to Kazakhstan but the club is very well versed at handling such things and we’ll be all right wherever we end up.
“As for the team themselves, I wouldn’t claim to know a great deal about either, but we’ll do our homework and make sure that we’re ready for the first leg when it comes round.”
But Charlie Nicholas fears his former club could be in for an early Champions League exit.
Even if they are to safely negotiate the matches, on July 26 or 27 and August 2 or 3, the former Celtic Park striker believes the Hoops will not survive for much longer.
Nicholas said: “The budget doesn’t sound that exciting. They are looking to get in players on Bosmans like most clubs.
“Craig Bellamy looks as if he has gone and there is no doubt that they will try to fill the spaces.
“Losing Jackie McNamara and Bellamy will take its toll on Celtic and they could struggle.
“It doesn’t look as if they are in the market for any real talent. They really need get some talented players in.
“You hear the Celtic board saying that they don’t have the financial resources because they play in the SPL.
“But they get 60,000 all the time and money up front from season tickets.
“I understand people having tight reins but they have to identify and sign some top-quality players.”
Celtic paid the harsh price for their final day capitulation to hand Rangers the championship.
Nicholas has branded the possibility of travelling to Almaty, which is 180 miles from China, a “nightmare” and believes they will be praying for an Artmedia Bratislava win.
Either way, Gordon Strachan’s men face a gruelling flight just days before they kick-off the new campaign at Motherwell at 12.30 on July 30.
“They don’t want that,” he told Sky Sports News.
“Their preference would be Bratislava although that would still be a tricky tie.
“But Kazakhstan would be a horrible trip. Travelling there would be a nightmare. Suddenly you are squeezing games in.”
