 Strachan got one over United boss Ferguson |
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan savoured his side's victory over Manchester United and admitted it was a relief to go through to the knock-out stages. "I can't believe it, I will have to double check in the morning just to make sure," he told BBC Scotland.
"It's just a relief that we are through to the next round and we are quite tired and emotional now.
"We didn't get to grips with the ball in the first half but we didn't give away too many chances."
Strachan went on to praise match winner Shunsuke Nakamura.
"He is as good as anyone in the world right now but to be honest this has all been down to the players," he said.
Celtic captain Neil Lennon was ecstatic to find out his side's victory over Manchester United had seen them through to the last 16 for the first time.
"It is the best result of my career," he said.
 Strachan urges his troops on from the touchline at Celtic Park |
"Just to beat Manchester United alone is enough. I can't speak highly enough of the players.
"Shunsuke's free-kick was world-class, he's right up there with the best in the world for his free-kicks. This means everything to me."
Lennon was booked for his protests when United were handed a last-minute lifeline although French striker Luis Saha's penalty was saved by Artur Boruc.
"We've got to thank the goalkeeper for saving the penalty," Lennon added.
"We were livid because over the years we've not had the breaks and that was a crazy decision but thankfully Artur saved it."
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