Having taken charge of the Hoops in the absence of Neil Lennon and John Kennedy against Hibernian on Monday, Celtic first team coach Gavin Strachan will again take the reins from the dugout against Livingston at Paradise tomorrow (Saturday).

He admitted that having so many players and personnel self-isolating at present is less than ideal, but said the squad who have trained this week have worked hard and are well-prepared for tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership encounter.

“This week’s been busy but you try and keep things are normal as you can, you try and stick to your processes and plan for the Livingston game, which is what we’re doing,” said the first team coach at Lennoxtown.

“I’ve had a lot of phone calls with the manager and John and try to do things as normal, really, and the manager was in constant touch with me during the game earlier this week. It obviously makes it slightly more difficult but he had a line of communication with Stevie Woods.

“It’s not ideal but it can be done. In terms of players, we’ve got Scott Robertson back in from Gillingham, so he’s come back into the fold. He’s a good player and a good character. He’s primed and ready to go. For the most part, it’ll be the same guys who were around on Monday.”

Gavin Strachan said he expects most of the players and staff currently isolating to be back in the Lennoxtown building at the beginning of next week, and said the squad’s younger players who have come into the fold in their colleagues’ absence have worked hard behind the scenes.

'Livingston are on a really good run of form, they’re hungry and it’s going to be a big test for us.'

“It’s been a steep learning curve for a lot of them, but hopefully as their careers progress, it can be a positive thing for them, to see the environment and the hard work,” the Englishman continued. "Everyone that was involved in the game on Monday have returned negative tests.

“The frustrating thing is, before the Hibs game, the form was good, and we were starting to look like we were clicking. It’s been a challenge, working without so many good players, but the lads equipped themselves well against Hibs.”

Now, Gavin Strachan turns his full attention to Saturday’s match, and expects a tough game from an in-form opponent. He added: “Livingston are on a really good run of form, they’re hungry, have plenty of energy, and they’re a hard working team with good individuals as well, it’s going to be a big test for us.”

Gavin Strachan: We’re ready for Livi challenge in tough circumstances