Strachan acclaim for McGeady show

Strachan was delighted with Aiden McGeady's three-goal performance

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan hailed his hat-trick hero Aiden McGeady after the winger's outstanding performance in the 4-0 victory over Falkirk.

McGeady added three clinical finishes to Scott McDonald's early penalty to kill off a spirited Bairn side.

"He has done that against the AC Milans of this world so he really has to be pleased with himself," said Strachan.

"The subtle changes have come from a wee bit of talking but we never put that much pressure on him."

"It's hard enough to play for this club without the manager putting that pressure on you.

He has done that against the AC Milans of this world so he really has to be pleased with himself Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"He has also built up his physique, he is non-stop for 90 minutes. It's hard going to keep beating people," Strachan added.

Strachan was also delighted with the way McGeady linked with debutant Ryan Conroy, 20, who replaced Darren O'Dea at left-back.

The Celtic boss said: "I thought his partnership with Ryan down that side was excellent, good variation, good pace, good passing from Ryan, composure.

"We felt in the last two games our full-backs were getting on the ball a lot.

"Unfortunately our full-backs are centre-halves.

"Darren is going to be a great centre-half but we thought we would have someone more progressive and comfortable there."

A sparsely populated Celtic Park looked less than half full after the champions dropped points against Hearts and St Mirren and Strachan was pleased with his team's reaction.

"It was a nervous night because we had to react," he said. "Every time there is a question asked of us we seem to answer it.

"It's been a long haul the last few games and they can be very proud of themselves."