Strachan upbeat despite Celtic stumble

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes his side are still on course to win the Scottish title race despite failing to open up a five-point lead over Rangers.

Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday gave Celtic the opportunity to make a significant step towards retaining their Scottish Premier League crown, but it took a dramatic late equaliser from Lee Naylor on Sunday to rescue a 2-2 draw at Dundee United.

Australia’s Scott McDonald scored his 16th goal of the season after 24 minutes but United striker Francisco Sandaza scored twice at the start of the second half before Naylor saved the day when he volleyed in from the edge of the box with nine minutes remaining.

However Strachan, whose team are three points clear at the top, was adamant that no damage had been done to Celtic’s title hopes because both teams are capable of dropping points.

“There’s been no change in the title race. At this moment in time, the two teams are not good enough to take a grip of it,” he said.

“It was terrific, an absolutely terrific game. I think the players and fans enjoyed it.

“If anyone can find a negative – and I’m sure they will – then they are warped.

“I thought we would get the equaliser, we put enough pressure on although I didn’t expect it to come from Lee, that’s for sure.

“In the first half we played well, they played well for 20 minutes in the second half.

“We weren’t professional at the start of the second half and we paid for that and then we came good for the last 25 minutes and I thought, ‘Here we go again, we are going to win this game’.”

Strachan revealed that Stephen McManus could barely walk due to an ankle injury that kept him out of the game.

The Hoops skipper will turn up for Scotland duty ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Holland next week but must be considered a serious doubt.

Strachan said: “McManus had absolutely no chance of making it.

“It’s his ankle. He is going to go along to Scotland, he wants to play.

“He needs to get a scan and then he will speak to (Scotland coach) George (Burley). I’m happy for him to go along.

“Glenn Loovens had a calf strain. Other teams have players out but we don’t want to make excuses.”

United boss Craig Levein reiterated his belief that his side on their day are a match for both Old Firm clubs.

United have drawn four times with the Hoops and twice with Rangers this season with only one defeat, against the Ibrox side.

“I thought it was a great game, it was end-to-end and both teams had chances,” he said.

“Anyone who watched the game would have been happy with what they got for their money.

“We don’t fear playing either of the Old Firm. We always think we can win and the players believe that.

“The thing about Celtic is they generally win when they are expected to win, whereas ourselves and other teams chasing Celtic and Rangers keep dropping points.”