Zhirkov and Pavluchenko tempted by Celtic, but can they pay the wages?

Yet, for all the aesthetic pleasure he will have enjoyed, part of the Celtic manager may also have winced at each brilliant performance.

The wider appreciation of just what this generation of Russian players can achieve is set to be reflected in market values when predators come sniffing around after their involvement in the Finals is complete.

Russian Euro-crats: striker Roman Pavluchenko and left-back Yuri Zhirkov have really caught the eye

That is unlikely to be good news for Celtic.

Sportsmail understands the Parkhead club have taken a keen interest in attacking left-back Yuri Zhirkov, as well as centre-forward Roman Pavluchenko.

But both of those talents now carry price tags drifting up towards eight figures. There clearly comes a point when, admirably ambitious or not, an SPL club simply cannot compete with the financial might of the continental superpowers.

As one might expect from a converted winger, Zhirkov's impressive surges down the flank have been a key element of coach Hiddink's attacking strategy.

Also, the 24-year-old has sound Champions League experience with CSKA Moscow, who want him to remain in the Russian capital.

However, with Real Madrid now reportedly joining the queue for his services, offers in excess of £9million are being anticipated to kick off a mid-summer auction.

Celtic had identified Zhirkov as a possibility prior to Euro 2008 but, like Pavluchenko, his number of suitors has now increased radically.

Strachan had finished his media duties in Austria and Switzerland by the time the Russians hit top gear in their final group game against Sweden last week but he will be keenly aware of how well the pair have performed.

Andrei Arshavin, the £20m-rated Zenit St Petersburg maestro, may be the player most responsible for their semi-final place but Zhirkov and Pavluchenko have been foremost in the supporting cast.

The Spartak Moscow striker now looks certain to move on, despite his club's insistence they do not wish to consider offers.

Bologna, newly promoted to Serie A, are reported to be willing to pay £7.5m, while more attractive clubs in both Italy and Spain are closely monitoring Pavluchenko.

Celtic can offer the guarantee of Champions League football but producing a financial package of transfer fee and wages is what ultimately matters most.

The SPL champions have set their intentions on significant investment this summer but there is also a need to trim dead wood from the squad to maximise their negotiating power.

High wage earners Thomas Gravesen and Bobo Balde remain the most problematic in that department.

Gravesen has been linked with a move to Wolves but his agent, John Sivebaek, yesterday denied any knowledge of their interest and insisted he expected the Dane to be back at Lennoxtown for pre-season training next week.

As for Balde's situation, the Parkhead club have denied making an offer to Birmingham City for James McFadden, which was reported to have included the Guinean in part exchange.