Gordon Strachan: I'm not impressed with Jan critics

Apr 27 2008 By Euan Mclean

Gordon Strachan

CELTIC boss Gordon Strachan has launched a fierce defence of under-fire striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink with a bizarre rant against the Press.

The Dutch international has been the target of criticism from fans and media who have questioned his work-rate and movement and suggested he hasn't justified the s3.4million Celtic paid for him in August 2006.

The 29-year-old gave his popularity in the Parkhead stands a huge boost with a last-gasp winner in the recent Old Firm clash and will be gunning for a repeat when Rangers come calling today.

But when asked how important he felt that header has been for his striker, Strachan launched a surprise attack on the Press.

He reckons foreign players such as Vennegoor of Hesselink and former Hoops hitman Maciej Zurawski have been victimised because they don't have a buddy relationship with Scottish sports writers.

Strachan said: "Listen, Jan plays for the Dutch national side. If we put him up for sale tomorrow I know there will be four or five clubs in the Premiership wanting him, he could go to most top teams.

"Look at his record - it's one goal in every two games. Fantastic.

"The problem is he doesn't have too many mates in the Press, simple as that.

"You can come along here as a striker and if you have loads of good pals in the Press you are alright.

"Other strikers like Zurawski and Vennegoor have been marginalised because they don't.

"You media boys could start wars, you know that for a fact. Maybe sports writers don't start wars but you have the ability to manipulate people's minds.

"It's naive of you to say it's the fans when you actually manipulate them yourselves.

"I'm not saying the Press is entirely responsible but if a Scottish player went to play in Holland he would be entitled to be treated with respect."