Stephen McManus has insisted that Gordon Strachan is entitled to make full use of the squad at his disposal.
Celtic skipper prepared to accept rotation
Stephen McManus has insisted that manager Gordon Strachan is entitled to make full use of the squad at his disposal.
Strachan has adopted a policy of rotation so far this season with Celtic competing in the UEFA Champions League as well as on the domestic front.
Skipper McManus understands that everyone is keen to play in as many games as possible but also realises that Strachan faces a delicate balancing act.
"It's not a case of being dropped, that's what we are trying to say and that's what the manager has said," explained the defender.
"If you've got a big squad, it's only going to help you. But, no matter what happens, people are always going to pipe up and have their say.
"It's just a case of, when you are in the side, playing as well as you can for the team.
"You want to play in as many games as you can and what drives a lot of players on is the fear of failure.
Surprised
"The players want to be the best they can be and all you can do is play your best.
"It's not our decision, it's the manager's. If he feels he needs to change his side, he has the final say.
"We are lucky we have a lot of top players in the squad, which makes it very strong. It's a long season and we will see what happens at the end of it."
McManus admits he has been surprised by the furore surrounding some of Strachan's decisions, with top Premier League clubs often leaving out major players.
"It's nothing new," said McManus. "Teams like Chelsea and Manchester United do it and all of a sudden Celtic do it and people are talking about players getting axed.
"That's not the case. It's a long season, with a lot of games, and we are trying to use the players as much as we can."
