‘Celtic are a much better team’ with missing stars as ex-boss Gordon Strachan defends Hoops against criticism

Gordon Strachan has defended former club Celtic, insisting they are a much better club with their stars missing, but concedes the Scottish Premiership title race is as good as it is over.

Not much has happened for the Hoops on the pitch this season, having left Champions League qualifying and then Europa League with a groan as they also find themselves 21 points behind Rangers.

The Parkhead club have also been making headlines for all the wrong reasons due to off-pitch issues lately.

Manager Neil Lennon, assistant John Kennedy, another staff member and 13 players had to self-isolate after Christopher Jullien tested positive for coronavirus following a controversial mid-season trip to Dubai.

And while the Premiership title race is already over, former Hoops boss Strachan has stressed the Hoops don’t have their best players available.

When asked if there was still a title race north of the border, Strachan told Football Pass: “No, not at the moment. There is no title race.

“There is a battle to start playing football again and earn points.

“It’s only when you get, I would say, that if Celtic could get seven or eight points from them – and it’s going to be tough – then you could say there will be a title race.

“But at the moment, it’s not a title race.

“It’s up to the Celtic people to drag themselves back. There was an opportunity in the last two games. But they had draws.

“They could have come close to a few points, that’s for sure.

“But, due to the circumstances, they played football matches without major players.

“And you need your main players – especially up front where you have four of your forwards missing, including your top two Edward and Griffiths.

“I think when they play – the stats, using my eyes, everyone knows – Celtic are a much better team.