GLASGOW-born left-back Stephen Crainey returns to Celtic Park with Leeds United on Sunday, looking to put one over his former Southampton boss Gordon Strachan.

It was Strachan who signed Crainey from Celtic for the Saints, but only a few weeks later he took a rest from management before resurfacing as successor to Martin O'Neill at Celtic Park.

Crainey, 24, has nothing but respect for Strachan, who captained Leeds to the League Championship title in 1992.

He said: "The prospect of playing for Gordon at Southampton really appealed to me because he's a great manager and a real character. I "It's disappointing that I only worked under him for about three weeks before he was away, but that happens in football.

"I just kept my head up and got on with it but things didn't work out under Paul Sturrock, so I was on my way to Leeds."

Crainey spent nine years at Celtic and is relishing going back there. He said: "I've spent most of my career at Celtic and enjoyed every minute of it. It will be good to go back there and it should be a tremendous atmosphere with both clubs well supported. I am sure our fans will make their voices heard.

"Gordon will have his team wound up and I am sure he will be fired up as well because of his Leeds connections, but we have a strong enough squad to give a good account of ourselves."

Crainey, who missed most of last season with a groin injury, has played in all the pre-season games so far, including 90 minutes in the win at Darlington on Wednesday.

"I am very happy with my fitness. It was a frustrating time last season but I just want to look forward now," he said.

United were today having their annual photo call at the club's Thorp Arch training ground.

Michael Ricketts scored both goals as a United XI won 2-0 at Halifax last night.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, July 22, 2005