Keane is best judge over fitness, says Strachan

Published on Wednesday 12 April 2006 11:50

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan will trust Roy Keane's own judgement on whether he is fit enough to face Hibs at Celtic Park on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Keane continues to be afflicted by a long-term hip problem but has recently been kept out by a hamstring injury.

"Roy Keane's been doing a little bit in training already but it's difficult to say how early he'll get back," said Strachan.

"To be honest, we'll need to just ask him because Roy's an experienced professional and knows his own body best.

"Sunday's game will be a celebration for us and I feel it's important the players who have made such a great contribution this season are given a chance to enjoy the applause they deserve.

"But at the same time you have to be fair to your players if they're not at 100 per cent."

Strachan was speaking in the aftermath of Celtic's 3-1 defeat to Coventry in Richard Shaw's testimonial game at the Ricoh Arena. It was the Scot's first return to Coventry since his exit as City boss in 2001.

A crowd of 25,075 saw first-half goals from City's Dennis Wise and the Bhoys' Shunsuke Nakamura before Sky Blues' Kevin Thornton and Liam Davis struck after the interval.

"We knew it would be a risk bringing the players down to Coventry when the championship might still be a live issue back in Scotland," said Strachan.