McGhee: Don't call Celtic boss Strachan a quitter

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Motherwell boss Mark McGhee faces his former Aberdeen team-mate at Parkhead on Saturday - with two more clashes to follow - in an intense SPL run-in as the Old Firm battle it out for the championship and the Lanarkshire club chase a UEFA Cup place.

A widespread whispering campaign suggests that Strachan won't have the stomach to stick around longer than three years in Glasgow should Rangers win the league - but McGhee does not concur.

The pair spoke yesterday as a reserve game between the clubs fell victim to the weather but, come Saturday, their relationship will be set aside for professional combat.

"There is no chance of Gordon Strachan walking away," McGhee told Sportsmail. "I just cannot see it. It is not Gordon's style. He walked away from Southampton a few years ago but it does not mean to say that is what he does.

"Gordon loves the job. He does things in his own way - and some people criticise him for that - but he loves the post at Celtic.

"He loves the team, he loves the games and I certainly don't think he is a quitter. I'm pretty sure that he won't quit the job."

McGhee, who stressed he was only giving his opinion on Strachan's future, also swatted aside speculation that he will not be in the SPL next season.

He has two years left on his Fir Park contract and, having made the shortlist for the Scotland job that eventually went to George Burley, Motherwell owner John Boyle might well be best advised to offer him a new deal soon.

"I am preparing myself to be here next season," added McGhee, the diary on his office desk open at July as Motherwell lay plans for pre-season training and games. "You never know what can happen and the idea that I am not going to be here next season is coming from other people.

"They have seen me here and there is a perception that I've done quite well, so they assume I will have offers.

"That may be the case but, as yet, that has not happened. So I am preparing for pre-season. It is not impossible I would sign a new contract. Motherwell have not come to me particularly and it is not something we need to do yet. We could be in Europe next season.

"I'm determined to finish the job in terms of this season at the moment and that is the focus and priority currently. I deserve a break in the summer, so we won't be bothering with the Intertoto Cup.

"If we make it into the UEFA Cup next season through the SPL, I think that would be terrific. To take third spot would be a huge achievement for Motherwell because we are in a real tight race now."