Strachan said he had not given up hope of defending the SPL title

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has vowed his side will not relinquish their SPL title easily - despite losing to 10-man Motherwell on Saturday.

Strachan's side are six points behind leaders Rangers, having played two games more and are facing the prospect of a season without a trophy.

"It's going to be near-impossible, but we will keep plugging away," he said.

"I said we couldn't afford to lose any more points, but my opinion has been wrong on a couple of things."

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Advertisement

Highlights: Lappin dents Celts title bid

Celtic toiled in front of goal against Motherwell at Celtic Park and failed to take advantage of Bob Malcolm's red card.

"I will have to suffer with the rest of the fans who have Celtic at heart. We didn't take our chances and couldn't keep a clean sheet," Strachan said.

When we need a clean sheet we don't get one Gordon Strachan

Asked to comment on the criticism he had received from Celtic fans during the game, Strachan said: "There's a fear among our fans that our rivals will win the league."

The Celtic manager said his team's performance in the opening 25 minutes of Saturday's match was "easy on the eye" before Motherwell scored with their first attempt on goal.

Celtic's leading goalscorer Scott McDonald was involved in a heated exchanged with Strachan when the Australian international was substituted against Motherwell.

"There are more important things than Scott's reaction but he has apologised to me and his team-mates and that says it all," said the Celtic manager.

"He knows he was in the wrong, so he has apologised, but it is a small thing in comparison to getting beaten by Motherwell when you are wanting to win the championship."

Strachan said the defeat by Motherwell "encapsulated" the last few months for his beleaguered side.

"We made chances but couldn't score and when we need a clean sheet, we don't get one. So that is my concern."