Gordon Strachan will stay at helm of Celtic for long haul, insists Paul Hartley

Parkhead legend Charlie Nicholas recently said he thought Strachan would quit despite becoming just the third Celtic manager in 120 years to win three consecutive league titles.

Sky Sports pundit Nicholas cited the lack of support for Strachan among a section of the club's fanbase as the reason he will walk - but Hartley insists the chance to make more history will ensure the manager stays to mastermind the push for four-in-a-row and a fresh assault on the Champions League.

Ticket to ride: Hartley pictured yesterday promoting the sale of Celtic season books

The Celtic midfielder said: "I don't see any  reason why the manager won't be here. To be honest, it doesn't get much better than Celtic. We are one of the top clubs in the world.

"And, as far as we are concerned, the manager will be here next season. He doesn't have to tell us anything but I am pretty positive he will still be here. He wants more success."

Hartley shrugged off the criticism of Strachan from sections of the club's support, insisting that in football there is always someone willing to point out your shortcomings.

"I think criticism is just part and parcel of the game," said Hartley. "But we know what the manager has done here.

"His track record speaks for itself. He's won three titles in a row and got us into the last 16 of the Champions League twice. Everyone has their own opinion but I am sure the manager doesn't bother about what people think about him. He knows what kind of job he has done at this club."

Backing: Hartley says Strachan's track record 'speaks for itself'

Hartley's midfield partnership with Barry Robson has been hailed as one of the crucial factors in Celtic pipping Rangers to the title on the final day of the season.

And he admits he has enjoyed playing alongside fellow late developer Robson, who arrived in January from Dundee United.

"Barry is a very determined character," said Hartley. "He is a real winner and I have been very impressed since he has come into the team. He had a fantastic start to the season with Dundee United and has continued that here. He has been a big player for us.

"We have had similar careers in the sense that we were both playing in the First Division not so long ago and managed to work our way up to bigger teams. He went to United, I went to Hearts and we have both moved here around the same age. But we have a lot of good players here at Celtic and a fairly young squad which is improving all the time."

 Hartley, meanwhile, has pledged his commitment to his country after the spate of call-offs which has decimated Scotland ahead of tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic.

Hibs striker Steven Fletcher yesterday became the sixth player to pull out of George Burley's squad for the match in Prague.

But Hartley is loving life on the international stage after his emergence on the scene three years ago at the age of 28 and insists it would take something serious to stop him adding to his 18 caps.

He said: "It's been a long hard season with the amount of games we have played and you always have aches and pains but you have to push yourself for one more game.

"You are representing your country and that's what you want to do. I want to play as long as possible and get as many caps as I can before I stop playing football. So you won't see me pulling out of any squads. If I have a serious injury, then I won't play but I want to play as many games as I can."

Hartley has backed Ross McCormack and David Clarkson to shine if they get handed their debuts against the Czechs.

"You always want your best squad at these times, but the call-offs give other people an opportunity to stake a claim for their place," he noted. "If they do well they will stay there.

"I have played against Clarkson and McCormack this season and I have been very impressed by them."