Strachan unfazed by dip in form

Gordon Strachan said his players would rediscover their best form

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has backed his side to improve their form as they chase a league and cup double.

The SPL leaders will be crowned champions if they win at Kilmarnock on Sunday - and they face Hibs or Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup Final.

But some fans have been critical of Celtic's recent performances.

Strachan told the Celtic View: "As a group we have a lot to be proud of this year. The performance level, we will get that better."

Interview: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

Celtic are 13 points ahead of second-placed Rangers in the SPL and are a victory away from a second successive title under Strachan.

We should be proud of a lot of things we have done Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

Some Celtic fans booed Strachan's decision to substitute Derek Riordan during the Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Johnstone.

But Strachan said he wanted to focus on the progress his side have made.

"Because of the good work we have done since way back in July when we first started out, we have got ourselves in this position where we are 13 points clear with five games to go," the Celtic boss said.

"Through ups and downs, good football and indifferent football, we have got ourselves into this position, and it's not because of anyone else bar ourselves.

"We have an opportunity to win a title on Sunday and we will give it our best shot, as we have done all year.

"We have a lot to improve on, but we should be proud of a lot of things we have done."

Strachan said his squad had coped well with a spate of injuries.

"The strikers have missed about 65 games between them, but we have managed to get through," he added.

"The performance level, we will get that better, there is no doubt about that."

Strachan believes some of his squad have found it difficult to cope with the pressure of closing in on the SPL title.

"For some of them it's their first time in this pressure situation," he said.

"They will be finding strange things happening to them. It's only when you deal with your first championship win, you realise these things are normal for a championship-winning side."