Danny McGrain: We can re-create spirit of '86 Celts

Apr 20 2008 By Euan Mclean

CELTIC legend Danny McGrain reckons Gordon Strachan's men can snatch the title - just like the side of '86.

McGrain still cherishes that day of drama when the Hoops destroyed St Mirren 5-0 to win the league on goal difference.

They pipped a shell-shocked Hearts side who only needed a draw against Dundee but lost 2-0 to hand Billy McNeill's team the championship.

Now Danny believes it will take a similar monumental effort from today's Parkhead stars in the remaining four games if they are to stun hot favourites Rangers.

However, he hopes Wednesday night's last-gasp victory over Gers could be the catalyst for a late collapse by Walter Smith's side.

He said: "It will take strong men with big hearts but they can do what we did in 1986.

"What happened to us at Love Street on the last day of that season could have been written for a movie.

"Maybe it will be one day!

But if this Celtic side goes on to win the title that will surely be the sequel.

"I remember we had a terrible run of draws in the middle of our fixtures while Hearts were doing well until they started to lose their way.

"They had a couple of draws before heading to the last game of the season to upset their momentum.

"In a similar way losing on Wednesday could have an impact on Rangers.

"Their injuries and suspensions will not help.

"I believe they will drop more points in the run-in so it's up to us not to throw away any more ourselves."

If Celtic can even take the contest to the last day, McGrain feels they will have done well to have given themselves a chance.

Again, it's a situation that echoes in his mind.

He added: "We were written off so many times but going into that last match we knew we had nothing to lose.

"That day has to rank among the best in my career.

"There are tribulations ahead but all Celtic can do is keep winning.

"On Wednesday they dug in for 93 minutes and got the result that keeps the pot boiling. They have re-ignited the interest for all of Scottish football."