Back Gordon Strachan for next year's title shot, says Darren Jackson

Apr 13 2008 By Mark Guidi

FORMER Celtic star Darren Jackson insists Gordon Strachan shouldn't be sacked if his side lose the title.

And he's convinced the Hoops boss won't walk away from the job either.

The ex-striker knows Strachan well after playing under him during a loan spell at Coventry in season 1998-99.

During his short time with the English club, ex-Celt Jackson detected a steely character with a stubborn streak.

And that's why he's sure the Parkhead boss won't quit despite a section of the Celtic support hoping to see him axed.

Jackson - now an agent with the likes of Jackie McNamara, Mark Wilson and Stevie Thompson on his books - said: "It amazes me that Gordon still gets stick after winning two league titles.

"But it seems both Rangers and Celtic fans like to have one of their own in charge. Just look at Walter Smith and Ally McCoist at Ibrox.

"It's looking unlikely Celtic will win the title this season and whether it's right or wrong second place is unacceptable.

"I know Gordon from my time at Coventry and in terms of training sessions he was the best I worked under.

"But it's all about results up here and winning things.

"Gordon deserves another chance but whether he gets that or not I don't know.

"Martin O'Neill never won anything in 2003 but he was always given a chance.

"More defeats will cast further doubts but Gordon has the determination to pull through.

"I don't believe he will walk away from the Celtic job.

"He would go the other way and try to show he can win back the league title. He was the same as a player - desperate to prove people wrong.

"Gordon has a good record at Celtic and had to slash the wage bill. But fans don't take that kind of thing into account."

Strachan wants to fight on if his side fail to win the title.

And if his troops pull off a stunning comeback and make it three-in-a-row he would be more likely to call time then and bow out as a winner.

Strachan would then wait for an offer from down south where he wouldn't have to deal with the pressure of the Old Firm goldfish bowl.

A win over Rangers at Parkhead on Wednesday would keep Celtic's faint title hopes alive and Jackson reckons it's a huge game for them.

He said: "They have lost their last four to Rangers and need to bring that run to an end.

"A win would give Gordon and his side a much-needed boost."