Strachan: ‘There’s never a dull moment with Boruc’

GORDON Strachan provoked laughter among the Polish media as he recounted his memories of Artur Boruc during his spell as Celtic manager.

Poland keepers Artur Boruc (right) and Wojciech Szczesny in training. Picture: SNS

The Southampton goalkeeper is unlikely to start ahead of Wojciech Szczesny but Strachan is looking forward to a reunion with the colourful character.

Strachan jokingly slumped his head on the table when asked about Boruc and said: “He helped myself and the players he played with to be very successful at Celtic.

“He was an incredible character. I loved working with him every day. There was never a dull moment.”

That sparked laughter from the female interpreter and Strachan continued: “You’re laughing as well. You obviously know Artur. I had red hair when I met Artur, now I have white hair.

“In all seriousness, I think at one time he was one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It’s fantastic for me to see him back near the top of his profession again starring in the English Premier.”

Meanwhile, Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has branded the Football Association’s decision to charge Charlie Adam with violent conduct as “appalling”.

Scotland midfielder Adam is alleged to have stood on Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud in the second half of the club’s 1-0 win over the Gunners on Saturday in an incident missed by referee Mike Jones. Adam faces a three-match ban if found guilty and despite the possibility of that punishment being increased, Coates has declared the club’s intention to appeal “vigorously”.

Coates said: “We feel this is trial by media. We are disgusted. Charlie absolutely assures us it was not intentional. We will defend it vigorously. It is appalling.”

Coates added: “We have seen some of the things that have gone on in recent weeks and no-one has been called to account.”