Gordon Strachan has called for more composure in Celtic's engine room after a frantic assault failed to break down Dundee United at Parkhead.In the final stages of a tense match, as Celtic pressed for the crucial goal that would have reduced Rangers' lead at the top of the SPL to one point, Strachan was at the edge of his technical area trying to calm his players down as they threw everything at the Tannadice defence.

Mike McCurry's final whistle ended almost 90 minutes of backs-to-the-wall defending by the visitors and signalled a blow to the champions' hopes of retaining their title.

Rangers remain three points clear at the top of the table and Celtic have played one more game.

Strachan said: "It is quite a young midfield we had with Evander Sno, Aiden McGeady and Scott Brown and we really need to slow the game down a wee bit at times.

"I thought we were a bit too frantic in the last 25 minutes.

"That is something that players need to learn to deal with when they come to this club."

United manager Craig Levein left several of his regulars out ahead of Sunday's CIS Insurance Cup final against Rangers at Hampden.

A fine defensive display aided by some good fortune has given the former Hearts and Leicester boss some selection headaches for the final but midfielder Mark Kerr insists the 17,000 fans who travel to the national stadium on Sunday will see a more attack-minded United side - whoever gets the nod for a starting place.

He said: "It's not often we get a point at Parkhead so it was enjoyable.

"We wanted to frustrate Celtic and try and hit them on the break and we did that and we grew in confidence in the first half.

"In the second half Celtic had a lot of the ball and a few chances so we are happy with the point. It was a massive boost to get a clean sheet and we will be looking for the same in the final.

"I think we will be more positive on Sunday.

"There are medals and cup at stake and it's a one-off game but hopefully, whatever we do, goes to plan.

"It's not a massive squad we've got but it is very strong and you feel comfortable playing alongside whoever comes in."

Kerr has found himself on the sidelines on occasions this term and although he would prefer to be on duty from the start against Rangers, he believes the competition for places has had a positive effect on the team.

"I've been out the team at times this season and it keeps you focused," he said.

"It's good for the gaffer, he is confident in all of his players and he keeps all the boys on their toes.

"This is the cup that we really thought that we could win right from the start of the competition.

"We are in the final but there is still a lot of hard work to be done on Sunday."

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