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Last Updated: Friday, 16 December 2005, 22:35 GMT
Strachan happy with Keane dilemma
Roy Keane has trained with Gordon Strachan's squad for the first time
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will have no fears about leaving big names out of his team following the midweek signing of Roy Keane.

The acquisition of Keane has left a question mark over who may make way for the 34-year-old midfielder.

"I have to sacrifice, but I have to sacrifice eight players every week," said Strachan.

"I have sacrificed Alan Thompson, Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeady, John Hartson and others this season."

Neil Lennon plays a similar midfield holding role to Keane, while Stilian Petrov has been relishing a return to a more central position.

Keane has himself said that he does not expect to walk into the Celtic team.
He's talked about trying to take us to the next level and hopefully he can do that
Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney

"There are loads of big players who have been left out for other people," said Strachan.

"It is a hard job, but it is a great job picking from these players."

Keane left Manchester United following strong criticism of his team-mates and this week admitted that his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson had "come to an end".

But Strachan has no fears over the midfielder becoming a disruptive influence in the Celtic Park dressing-room.

"I am not concerned about him unsettling us and as to where I see him fitting in is up to me," he said.

"You talk about Roy's temperament as somebody who stands up in the dressing-room.

"It happens in plenty of dressing-rooms - this is not a new phenomena.

"There is an aura about Roy, but there is a presence about other people.

"We are lucky to have players with that presence when they walk on to the training field.

"Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson and Stilian Petrov also have it, but Roy Keane is a new player here and a world star."

Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney believes that Keane will be a good influence.

"He's a top player and all the players, especially the young players, look up to him," he said.

"We will be looking for his influence for the rest of the season.

"I don't think too many of the players will be in awe of him.

"He's talked about trying to take us to the next level and hopefully he can do that.

"It just adds to the confidence we have to have a player like that in the squad."


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