Keane still in Strachan plans
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is still planning for next season with Roy Keane in his thoughts.
Speculation refuses to go away following Keane’s bombshell that injury could force him to hang up his boots in the summer.
But the 34-year-old, who celebrates a testimonial against Manchester United at Old Trafford next Tuesday, has finished the season strongly and his manager is confident he will see out his contract.
“Nobody wants to go, apart from Stilian Petrov,” said Strachan. “I cannot tell you any different because Roy hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”
The former Republic of Ireland international inspired his team-mates to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock last night.
Strachan also admits Stanislav Varga has proved he can still play at the top level after hitting the final goal.
But the Scot refused to confirm whether the Slovakian, whose contract is up this summer, will stay another season.
Strachan said: “That was good football all round and I am delighted for him. He started the season with a bad injury so he deserves a lot of credit for the way he has stuck at it. He has proved he can play the top level.
“If I felt a player moving to pastures new was a good move then I will tell them first.”
Maciej Zurawski set the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions on their way with his 20th goal of the campaign.
Strachan refused to comment on Hearts pipping Rangers to the final Champions League spot.
But Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies heaped praise on his former club and controversial majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.
Jefferies said: “They have been up there after a cracking start. They have had all that turmoil at different stages through the season but the players have been fantastic to stay focused. A lot has been going on around about them and it has not distracted them.
"Vladimir Romanov has opened himself to criticism if they did fail and he deserves credit for what he has done.
“People disagree with what he does and he made the statements early on but they are in the Champions League and favourites for the Scottish Cup. That would be a great season for them.
“He made a statement they would challenge the Old Firm and there was a fair bit of apprehension but the fans and players haven’t flinched.
“He has been proved right and he has split Rangers and Celtic for the first time in 11 years.”
