Strachan focuses on positives March 13 2008
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan insists a goal was the only thing missing from his side's lacklustre performance in their 0-0 draw against Dundee United.
The Parkhead result struck a blow to the Hoops' chances of retaining their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.
The champions went into the game knowing victory would close the gap on leaders Rangers to one point but despite having the bulk of possession and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half through Shunsuke Nakamura and Scott McDonald, they had to settle for a point.
In fact, United midfielder Craig Conway missed a sitter from six yards out which could have handed the visitors an unlikely victory but as it stands, the Ibrox club are three points ahead with a game in hand.
Strachan said: "We had a good start and had good possession but never capitalised on that.
"We did the same in the second-half and I didn't think the opposing team would score against us.
"I thought it was a matter of time before we got a goal but we didn't have enough in the locker to finish off the moves that we had, so you get a zero-zero.
"Shunsuke Nakamura and Gary Caldwell were magnificent, Andreas Hinkel did very well, Lee Naylor came on to a game and Aiden McGeady showed some good stuff so there lots of positives to take.
"The only negative I can take is that we didn't score.
"But fair play to Dundee United - they had some good blocks and headers."
Strachan was reluctant to concede that every game until the end of the season falls in to the must-win category.
He said: "I don't think it (the draw) has helped.
"I don't know if every game is a must-win from now on but we have to think that.
"It's a test for us. You are tested as a footballer and it's how you deal with that.
"It's not about me picking players up, the players have to pick each other up."
United moved into third place ahead of Motherwell on goal difference and can look forward to Sunday's CIS Insurance Cup final against Rangers at Hampden.
United boss Craig Levein, who insisted his side "could have played better" claimed he had a selection headache for the cup final even before the encouraging point at Parkhead with a much-changed side.
He said: "I'm going to have a selection headache on Sunday but I always knew that.
"In January I had seven long-term injuries but they are coming back now and they are coming back in to a team that are doing well.
"Christian Kalvenes and Morgaro Gomis were not even in the squad and these guys have been top players for us this season.
"Sean Dillon was on the bench and he plays every week so I'm going to have a difficult job picking the team for Sunday.
"The only thing I know is that I will pick the best team to beat Rangers.
"There will be people disappointed but that's just the nature of the game."