Strachan wary of Hearts trio

STEPHEN HALLIDAY

GORDON Strachan, the Celtic manager, believes tomorrow's top-of-the-table Premierleague showdown with Hearts at Parkhead is equal in stature to an Old Firm fixture as a result of what he describes as the "magnificent" efforts of the Tynecastle club's Scottish internationals this season.

While Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon will miss the match through suspension, Strachan feels his international team-mates Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and, in particular, Paul Hartley will present a formidable barrier to Celtic's hopes of eliminating the three-point gap between themselves and the SPL leaders.

"I think there are going to be many more big games this season, it's not just about the four Old Firm games," said Strachan. "Saturday is going to be one of many over the course of the season and we won't fully realise just how big these games are until the end of the season when we look back and say 'that was a great result for us' or 'that was the one that changed the season'.

"Paul Hartley didn't have to score that goal for Scotland in Slovenia on Wednesday to emphasise to me the threat he will pose to us on Saturday. He has been absolutely magnificent, in fact I think all of Hearts' Scotland players have been magnificent throughout this season so far. A lot has been said about their new players, but I think their old guard, the ones who have been there a while, have been absolutely fantastic for them."

Strachan confirmed that striker Maciej Zurawski will miss tomorrow's match because of the hamstring injury he sustained during Poland's 2-1 defeat by England at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The player saw a specialist last night to assess the full extent of the damage.

Zurawski's compatriot, goalkeeper Artur Boruc, saw his stock rise further with his display against England and Strachan hopes a sense of loyalty on the part of the on-loan player will persuade him to agree a permanent contract with Celtic. Several English clubs are believed to be interested in Boruc and Strachan said: "We always knew we would have to offer him a contract. We haven't gone back on our words which was that once he got established in the side and had a good run, then we would talk to him about a new contract, which we are doing.

"I think we were in pole position when I was the only manager who went to see him play in Poland. I didn't see too many others making their way over there from Britain. We maybe need a wee thank you for putting our necks on the line and bringing him over when others didn't."

Strachan, meanwhile, was full of praise for central defender John Kennedy, who is edging closer to full fitness after sustaining a knee ligament injury playing for Scotland against Romania in March 2004. Kennedy, who required three operations, has signed a new contract at Parkhead this week which runs to the summer of 2007.

"The club were always going to look after him, whether he was progressing nicely or taking his time," said Strachan. "As it happens, he has joined in with the group in training this week. On Monday, we had a tight game situation with a lot of tackling and at one point he came head to head with his pal Stephen McManus and it was a good tackle. That was encouraging for everyone at the club, apart from maybe the other centre-halves.

"I know John's determination and character cannot be questioned, because of what he has had to come through. The ability he showed before the injury was also not in question and we have to make sure his technical level comes up again. Only time will do that, but we haven't put any timescale on the big fellow because you never know with an injury like that.

"I know within a couple of days of meeting a young player whether he really has the mental strength to be a Celtic player. I've bumped into a few here already who really don't have a chance of making it because of their character. But seeing John Kennedy, not only can he be a good footballer again but whatever he does in life he will be good at because he can take this physical and mental blow."

Taken from the Scotsman