Strachan surprised to be within one win of debut championship

HEARTS' major shareholder Vladimir Romanov was in the Almondvale main stand as Celtic's 2-0 win over Livingston ensured they can clinch the SPL title in next Wednesday's clash against the Tynecastle side.

The thought of being present at someone else's party won't gladden Romanov but he will at least be able to observe at close quarters what it takes to win a championship, perhaps for future reference. With Hearts having hit the ground running so impressively at the beginning of this season

even Gordon Strachan, the Celtic manager, admitted yesterday that he is surprised to be contemplating claiming his first title with a fair portion of the season still to be played.

Celtic will claim the championship should they win against Hearts at Parkhead next week. "I am very surprised," he said, perhaps reflecting on a difficult week at the start of the season when Celtic lost 5-0 to Artmedia Bratislava and drew 4-4 at Motherwell. "Hibs have been smashing this season, and we have had Rangers to think about and also Hearts, who have spent a lot of money. To be so close is great. But I just want to get it over and done with now."

Asked if it will be a nervous wait until next week, he replied: "I have had more stressful weeks, I can tell you."

Strachan conceded that Celtic were lucky to make it to half-time with the full complement of players. Defender Stephen McManus's two-footed tackle on Livingston midfielder Allan Walker caused many in the ground to flinch, but the Celtic defender received only a yellow card, something which dismayed the home side's manager, John Robertson. "He gave the referee a decision to make," admitted Strachan, relieved Kenny Clark was feeling generous. "We might have been lucky with that one."

One episode which disappointed Strachan was the newspaper report yesterday that skipper Neil Lennon is on the way out at Parkhead. "If Neil wants to stay, great," said Strachan. "We'll sit down and talk about it like men. You'll be the last to know."

Taken from the Scotsman