Gordon Strachan: I've proved myself and will continue as Celtic boss

Jun 15 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

GORDON STRACHAN last night insisted he's thriving in the Old Firm pressure pot and vowed to stay at Celtic for the long run.

The Hoops gaffer has often said the most difficult part of his job is dealing with the goldfish-bowl environment of Glasgow.

And last season, when his side trailed rivals Rangers in the championship race by seven points, many die hard Celts were calling for his head.

He has endured a love-hate relationship with the home support since arriving at Parkhead in 2005.

But Strachan defied the doubters to deliver a trio of league titles and has led the club to the last 16 of the Champions League for the last two seasons.

Last night the Hoops boss revealed he enjoys the intensity of life at the champions and insisted he's desperate for more success in the SPL and Europe.

Strachan, who became the first Celtic manager since Jock Stein to win three titles on the trot, said: "It has been an incredible education.

"But I've survived the three years at Celtic and I'm sure I'll continue.

"I've learned it's not all about tactics - everyone knows about them.

"It's about dealing with people, dealing with situations and dealing with pressure.

"That's the difference when you get to this level - can you actually deal with these things?"

Strachan will again lead his side into the Champions League next season and they head straight to the group stages this time.

It's a competition he has excelled in, despite a poor away record, and Strachan is the only Celtic boss who has qualified for the knock-out phase.

He has enjoyed stunning victories over the likes ofACMilan, Benfica and Manchester United in the past two campaigns and Strachan admits it's a stage he loves.

He said: "If any coach can get the chance - no matter what league you're in - to get into the Champions League then take it.

"It's a phenomenal tournament."