Strachan hails impact by Robson

Robson and Strachan made it an awards double for Celtic

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has credited Barry Robson with re-energising his squad in their race for the league title.

The midfielder picked up the SPL player of the month award for April, while Strachan took the manager's prize.

"Barry's been excellent. Many players have taken a lead from him in terms of tempo and drive," said Strachan.

"His enthusiasm for the game has rubbed off on a lot of people at a time when results weren't going so well."

Robson has been in superb form in the centre of midfield for Celtic since his £1m transfer from Dundee United in January.

The midfielder starred in the recent wins over Old Firm rivals Rangers and scored the winner in the 3-2 victory on 27 April.

We haven't changed anything. We've just started putting the ball in the back of the net again Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

But the former Dundee United captain said he believes the best from him is yet to come.

"You develop all the time as a player, no matter what age you are," he said.

"The older you are, the more you learn and the more you take on board, so I have a lot of improvement to come in my own game."

"Gordon signed me so I have to repay him, the fans and the team.

"That's why I work so hard every day in training."

Rangers trail Celtic by four points but have two games in hand and Strachan says it is a situation he is pleased to be in.

"I said two months ago that it would be great if it goes to the last game of the season," the Celtic manager said.

"During our sticky period, we were playing good football and not getting results.

"But we did keep believing we could do this and it was good of the players to believe also."

Strachan has steered Celtic to the top of the table following five straight league victories after dropping vital points in March.

Celtic lost 1-0 to Motherwell on 5 April, but their fine form since then has led to manager Strachan's award.

"We haven't changed anything. We've just started putting the ball in the back of the net again," said the manager.

"I just like to be involved in challenging for the title.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Barry Robson's been looking really good in the middle of the park MrCeltic46

"Last year we were leading for a long time and just stumbled over the finishing line.

"It's a different challenge this year, we're chasing, but I think you can see we're relishing that challenge."

Celtic host Hibernian on Sunday knowing anything but victory would spell the end for their championship hopes.