Strachan warns his young Bhoys: Don't expect too much action

It's there: Paul McGowan celebrates Celtic's equaliser

Paul McGowan started tonight's friendly, and Paul Caddis and Mark Millar came on in the second half to gee up the lacklustre home side.

After Martin Petrov gave the visitors the lead, Caddis and Miller helped drag the Hoops into the game in the closing stages - McGowan equalising with 10
minutes remaining.

Celtic unfurl their Clydesdale Bank Premier League championship flag against St
Mirren on Sunday, and Strachan expects to have most of his big guns on display.

He said: "The first half was a waste of time. But we brought on pace, energy, ability with the kids - and that cheered up the supporters when they saw them enjoying themselves. The longer the game went on, they really lost all fear.

"They lifted the crowd and lifted me, so one or two can be pleased with themselves."

That does not mean, though, that the youngsters will necessarily be in the frame this weekend.

"They can't all force their way in to the team at the same time; maybe one or two, but not in the league that we play in where every game is a must-win game," said the manager.

"They still have to prove that they can get changed beside Caldwell, Nakamura,
Vennegoor of Hesselink and play on the same pitch as them.

"I don't think 20 minutes or half-an-hour is good enough to earn a right to play every week."

Strachan denied that he started with out-of-favour duo Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan in order to allow the players to put themselves in the shop window.

He said: "We have a very small squad and we had nine players missing for various reasons.

On target: Martin Petrov has just netted for City

"I thought we were ready after the trip to Feyenoord. We have players who want a game, so we gave them a chance to enjoy themselves in front of a crowd."

Strachan was more reluctant to talk about the reported imminent recruitment of
Barcelona youngster Marc Crosas.

He said: "I'm not here to talk about specific players; I don't think that's right.

"The best I can tell you is that we have targets and will try and go for them."

City manager Mark Hughes was pleased with his side.

The visitors ran the game for long spells, before Celtic pushed forward in the closing stages in search of the equaliser.

Hughes said: "We were delighted with that. I saw signs that the guys had been taking on board what we had been working on and implementing it - and that's what they have to do.

"We have had a decent pre-season; we have had good quality opposition and
competitive games as well, and I think we saw the benefits.

"We really controlled the game for long periods and moved the ball quickly, accurately and with pace.

"We were a bit disappointed that we conceded right at the end. But that happens at set-plays in pre-season when you don't allocate jobs to individuals when you are swapping personnel.

"In fairness that was one area that was going to be a concern - but in terms
of the general shape of the game, we were in control of it."