Source: Team_Talk
Strachan puts trust in his Bhoys
After Rangers could only draw 1-1 with Hibs on Wednesday night, 24 hours after the champions had beaten Dundee United 2-1 at Parkhead, Celtic found themselves back above the Ibrox side at the top of the SPL by just two goals.
Strachan's side have two games remaining, a trip to Easter Road on Sunday and a home game against Hearts on the last day.
Rangers face Aberdeen on Saturday and then travel to Tannadice to take on Dundee United next Sunday.
While permutations are being explored and discussed, including the very real possibility the championship could go down to goal difference, Strachan will focus on his squad's spirit to see them over the line for the fourth season in succession.
He said: "It's trust. Trust in your team-mates, trust in your own ability and trust in the way you play.
"It's like the golfer coming down the 16th, 17th and 18th - they've got to trust their swing.
"It's the same with football, there is a lot of trust to it.
"You have to trust your team-mates, and your manager and coaches, and trust that you are doing the right things.
"No change, no panic, don't do anything different - trust yourself."
Strachan, who confirmed he has made a bid for 18-year-old Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy, believes the high stakes his side are playing for over the next 180 minutes all but negates the need for a rousing teamtalk at Easter Road.
"We are at the stage where you hardly have to do one," he said.
"I hardly did one at Ibrox last week and very little the other night (against United).
"You are at the stage where you know who you are playing against and there is nothing new tactically that you can spring on anybody.
"You might change the personnel but basically you stay the same.
"I have done many motivational speeches which I thought were fantastic and had the dressing room buzzing, and then went out and got beaten.
"So there are times when you just have to leave it or keep it to the minimum - and the time is now."
The former Southampton and Coventry manager expects Hibs to be up for the game, as they were against Rangers at Easter Road in midweek.
However, after winning three titles in the last three seasons, Strachan is confident he has the players who can cope with the pressure.
"Every team that plays against the Old Firm raises their game," the Celtic boss said.
When the Old Firm come along, the circus comes to town, with regards the media.
"The build-up is greater and players are only human, they enjoy that sort of thing.
"People tend to up the tempo, that's for sure.
"But we have the characters who have been over the course.
"The title race last year was close. I don't think you can get any closer.
"It's close this season as well.
"It's exciting for everybody and it keeps the fans, players and media ticking over."
Celtic 4/9, Draw 11/4, Hibernian 6/1
