How to solve a problem like Artur Boruc? Gordon Strachan isn�t even going to start. The Celtic goalkeeper returned to training this week after an unorthodox period of convalescence.
How to solve a problem like Artur Boruc? Gordon Strachan isn't even going to start.
The Celtic goalkeeper returned to training this week after completing what can only be described as an unorthodox period of convalescence from knee surgery. The long lens of a Polish photographer captured Boruc marking his return to fitness earlier this week by spending some time in a Warsaw hostelry drinking pints, smoking cigars and carousing with the local talent.
The story was intriguing but hardly surprising given the eccentric Pole's ongoing intimate relationship with controversy. In truth, the biggest shock was that he was pictured inside a cinema when the pubs were surely still open. Strachan has learnt over the years that Boruc is a man that cannot be tamed. His live-and-let-live attitude may be at odds with what is expected of the modern footballer - work hard, train hard, go to bed early - but his manager is happy to turn a blind eye to his No.1's shenanigans as long as Boruc keeps performing.
"Artur didn't break any guidelines," Strachan said. "He got permission to go away for a break so we have no problem with that. He came back on Tuesday and trained and there's no problem whatsoever with me. It was his weekend off so he can do what he wants. I think we all benefit from letting our hair down a little bit from time to time. I put down guidelines and if they are broken then I do something about it. If they are not broken and no-one is getting harmed then I see no reason to do anything about it. It is only human nature.
"I played with a lot of top players who smoked - that's not a problem. That is something for a player to deal with himself. If you feel that smoking is good for you then that is fine. There are health warnings on cigarette packets. As Bill Hicks says, Give me the ones which claim this may damage a baby's health. I don't have babies so I'll have those ones'. We all know that smoking is bad for you but there is nothing I can do about this. If there are guidelines broken I look at it, but a moral stance from a tabloid? No, I'm not having it."
Boruc was not the only Celtic player to run into bother on a night out on the town this week. Aiden McGeady's venture to a city centre hotspot was marred when he was reportedly attacked and subjected to sectarian abuse. The Celtic first-team squad enjoy a long leash when it comes to their social lives, but Strachan hinted that may soon change. "That's more concerning. We have to look at the guidelines for that to protect the players. I'll review them and I'm sure an insider will tell you what I decide."
Boruc and McGeady are among a long list of players whose involvement, or otherwise, in today's lunchtime match against St Mirren at Love Street will be decided just a few hours before kick-off. Strachan ran through the list of walking wounded like a nurse on a change of shift at the local hospital. "A lot of players have knocks or have travelled a lot this week and I'll sit and speak with the doc and see where we are.
"The doc might even want to wait until the morning with some of them - as will one or two of the lads who are desperate to play. Paul Hartley didn't train yesterday and he is suffering from what I would call a fat ankle. Paul wants today's game to be a possibility and we will leave a decision on a lot of the lads until nearer the game. Barry Robson is one of the guys we have to wait on.
"Aiden didn't train but he's another one that wants to play. Artur trained and did okay, so he's another we have to talk about. Scott McDonald is past the worst of it but has a coughing bout now. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is running on grass again and Marc Crosas is also running again. Massimo Donati kicked someone else and broke his toe. We were getting through the injuries so tackling was back, but I don't know who he kicked, there was a melee of bodies. He was doing alright and is handy for certain games. I feel sorry for the kid as he's worked incredibly hard to get back in the team."
Today's game represents Celtic's last trip to Love Street, on league duty at least, before St Mirren move to their new stadium in the new year. Strachan had one particular memory of the place from his days as an Aberdeen player operating under Alex Ferguson.
"The highlight for me was when we got a roasting from Alex," he said. "There's a wee window in the dressing room - which is now in the toilet but used to be part of the main changing area. We lost a late goal and Alex went berserk. He was kicking tables, sending sandwiches everywhere and after his rant there was a minute of quiet while we let him calm down.
"Then through that wee window a face appeared and it was Alex McLeish's wee brother. He stuck his nose to the glass and shouted: Alex, mum says are you coming home tonight or are you going back to Aberdeen on the bus?' Fergie raced at him and booted the window. That's the funniest story I have from Love Street."
