The SPL have avoided the prospect of a derby match proving decisive since the turmoil that occurred when Rangers won the league at Parkhead in 1999.

Referee Hugh Dallas was hit by a coin, three players were sent off and more crowd trouble followed during and after the match, which the Gers won 3-0.

SPL secretary Iain Blair has insisted he will look "beyond football" when arranging the two Old Firm matches still to be played at Celtic Park after the league splits in April.

But Strachan is "intrigued" by the prospect of an Old Firm title decider.

He said: "I've never really thought about it to be honest, but if it's still neck and neck, bring it on. I think everybody will enjoy that.

"It would be very nervous but I think, if we are still in there at the end, then we would be delighted with that.

"If it ends up that way, then fine. It might be finished before that, you never know, but it sounds intriguing."

Celtic need to keep pace with leaders Rangers though, and they have two tough matches this week.

With Rangers in the midst of five successive cup matches, Celtic face the other two teams in the top four, with a home clash against Dundee United tomorrow followed by a trip to Motherwell on Saturday.

Strachan is glad of the opportunity to put pressure on Rangers by overturning their four-point deficit, albeit from two extra games.

He said: "It's good to collect points all the time, try to get as many as possible and try to put some pressure on our rivals, who are playing very well at this moment.

"They are very consistent, so we have to be just as consistent as them."

United have the CIS Cup final against Rangers to look forward to on Sunday but manager Craig Levein has stressed the need to forget about Hampden until after their Parkhead visit.

And Strachan thinks the big-game atmosphere at Celtic Park might ensure United are focused on the SPL game.

"We play in big games like the Champions League but we seem to be able to handle it," said Strachan, who was making a hospital visit after the press conference following the news first-team coach Tommy Burns had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

He added: "Sometimes it does affect players if they have a big game.

"But I'm sure it would be different if they went to a place where there wasn't too much of a crowd.

"There's going to be a lot of people at our game and I think that will help them. It's been a good season for them, they should be really pleased with themselves.

"They have had some good individuals come to the fore this year, some players that I have been watching for a few years have flourished now under Craig. Getting to the final was fantastic."