Strachan relishing Celtic challenge

Gordon Strachan (pictured) has insisted he had no qualms about taking over from Martin O'Neill as Celtic manager.

Gordon Strachan has insisted he had no qualms about taking over from Martin O'Neill as Celtic manager.

The former Scotland midfielder played alongside Rangers boss Alex McLeish at Aberdeen under Sir Alex Ferguson and so has a clear idea of the pressure on an Old Firm boss.

Strachan, who will be looking to regain the Scottish Premier League title from Celtic's arch Glasgow rivals in his first season in charge, said Tuesday: "I've spoken to him (McLeish) and I know how much it is. I know what I'm letting myself in for and it still doesn't deter me."

Previously in charge of Southampton when they were an English Premiership side, Strachan has replaced the popular O'Neill, who resigned after Celtic's Scottish Cup victory against Dundee United last weekend to spend more time with his his sick wife Geraldine, battling cancer.

Strachan, who has signed a 12-month rolling contract, also told a Parkhead news conference broadcast live by Sky Sports: "People have asked me if I would return to Scotland and when the Celtic job and I said, in a second, yes.

"It's a world class club. You can't turn down that chance to perform as a manager here.

"I said when I left Southampton, the next job, I wanted some excitement and this job has that. Even my wife could tell that I was excited. You know when someone asks you that, it's right for you.

"It's something that I'm proud of because, God knows, it's a hard job to take over. Five years ago if you'd have asked me, I would have said I wasn't ready for it but now I am ready for it."

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "When Martin confirmed finally his decision, Gordon became the unanimous choice of the board.

"When we met, his knowledge of the game, his coaching expertise, his enthusiasm and desire to win were the clinchers."

Strachan added he hoped to keep on-loan Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy, who he knows from his time at Coventry, as well as veterans Neil Lennon (33) and Jackie McNamara (31).

"I have worked with Craig before. He didn't give us any problems. I have spoken to him already and he is positive, very positive," he said before stressing the importance of continuity.

"I think it was documented Martin was going to make changes and I will be following along the lines of Martin. I have been working behind the scenes - with Martin's permission - in the last two weeks, cross-referencing his (transfer) targets and players which I would like to bring in.

"There needs to be a turnover, a decent turnover. There is a nucleus of seven or eight players over the last five years who need help.

"I'm not ageist. Neil Lennon (33) and Jackie McNamara (31) must stay at the club."

Strachan also had a message for defender Bobo Balde, who has expressed his desire to leave after being linked to Bayern Munich.

"Bobo Balde must have a fear of leaving Celtic. There are not many better places to go."