Strachan: Cup provides no insurance

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Strachan masterminded the Hoops' first Old Firm derby cup final win for 20 years on Sunday to claim the first major silverware of the season. His side will now be firm favourites to complete a league and cup double, having recently re-established a three-point lead over their arch rivals in the SPL.

But after the 2-0 extra-time win Strachan said: "I don't think it will make any difference."

"All it gives is the Celtic or Rangers manager a couple of days leeway of being able to stick your head up over the parapet," he added.

Strachan and opposite number Walter Smith were at pains to insist in the build-up to Sunday's game - the first Old Firm derby final since 2003 - that the outcome would not affect the title race.

And despite the jubilation of winning his sixth major honour since moving to Parkhead almost four years ago, Strachan was in no mood to change his tune.

"I think everybody expected a close game and they got it. A lot of people would've backed extra-time - they got it. From where I was standing, it seemed to be an exciting game."

He added: "What it does is tell us how hard it's going to be for the rest of the season. We all know how close it was there and how determined they are. So if both teams have that determination, it's going to be a close call.

Rangers boss Smith added: "The game itself was one of those where we never gave ourselves an opportunity to get started in extra-time.

"You can't blame any of our boys. Both sets of players put a lot into the game. I've got no complaints about anything any of our players did in the match."