After reaching the last 16 in each of the past two campaigns, going beyond that stage is Celtic's challenge.

Strachan's spell in charge of Celtic began in 2005 with a stunning defeat to Artmedia Bratislava in Champions League qualifying, however his team have acquitted themselves superbly in each of the past two campaigns.

AC Milan and Barcelona ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, but the last eight will be Celtic's target after clinching a hat-trick of Clydesdale Bank Premier League titles.

"The two years have been an incredible education for me," Strachan told BBC1's Football Focus.

"If any coach at all can get the chance - no matter what league you're in - to get into the Champions League, then take it.

"It's a phenomenal tournament."

Strachan's side have set the standard many will expect them to maintain in Europe next season, and again the pressure will be on the manager to deliver success at home and in Europe.

Being in the media spotlight is a challenge for any Old Firm manager, but Strachan said: "I've survived for three years. I'm sure I'll continue."

Strachan believes new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will be expected to win the Champions League after taking over from Avram Grant.

Chelsea finished runners-up to Manchester United in both the Barclays Premier League and Champions League last season and Strachan believes the expectations on World Cup winner Scolari will be considerable.

Scolari will not focus on Chelsea until Portugal complete their Euro 2008 campaign, but Strachan said: "By all rights, they should win everything now, Chelsea.

"If they had a man in charge who - this is not my opinion whatsoever - didn't have much charisma, tactical knowledge and didn't help the dressing room, and he got beaten on the final day of the league and got beaten on a penalty (shoot-out) for the Champions League, if you get an incredibly brilliant coach in, he should win everything.

"The players will win you championships. Okay, there's exceptional managers, (Sir Alex) Ferguson and people like that.

"But if he's that bad - not my opinion - Avram Grant, and you get someone who's that brilliant according to the press, then it should be a doddle for Chelsea."

Strachan wryly added: "The rest of the English league and the European teams should just pack it in now."

The Hoops boss will not be expected to turn Celtic into European champions, but he will savour the learning experience.

"I think everybody knows about tactics," said Strachan.

"It's dealing with people, dealing with situations, dealing with pressure.

"That's the difference when you get to this level - can you deal with these things?"