GORDON STRACHAN today lifted the lid on the type of signings he'll be looking for to push Celtic towards a third successive SPL championship.

He made it clear that age will be no barrier - so long as the players have what he considers the fundamental requirements to carry his side on to the next level domestically and in Europe.

Strachan has spent the past two years completely rebuilding the ageing team inherited from Martin O'Neill.

Now, with the departure of Paul Telfer and Neil Lennon four games from the end of his career at Parkhead, the average age of the side is set to drop even further.

Strachan expects to bring in two or three new faces this summer to augment the already-concluded signing of Scott McDonald.

Celtic continue to be linked with players from all over - Scotland, England, Europe and the USA - with Man City's troubled star midfielder Joey Barton and relegated Watford defender Danny Shittu just the latest in a rapidly growing speculative list.

But, while moves are taking place behind the scenes, Strachan recognises the necessity of keeping his own counsel on targets to avoid any other clubs stepping in and kicking off an auction.

With even the smallest of Premiership clubs able to offer wages far in excess of what Celtic can contemplate, thanks to the new TV contract, Strachan is operating at a huge disadvantage.

So, he is not prepared to close off any avenue, and certainly won't allow age to be a barrier if he believes the player can add value to his side.

Strachan took a lot of criticism last season for signing Dion Dublin when the veteran striker was about to turn 37.

But he will not be put off going down this route again if the right man becomes available.

Strachan - with a second successive Manager of the Year award from the Scottish Football Writers' Association - said: "The blend has to be the ability to pass, intelligence and the will to win.

"It doesn't matter what age. If you've got that, then I'm happy.

"I mean, you can have a very athletic 36-year-old, and a not-so-good 18-year-old. So there is no point in bringing in the 18-year-old.

"We did a fitness test at the start of the season and Paul Telfer, who was 35, blew away all the kids.

"So, age is not a problem. The fact is you have to be athletic, have a will to win, be able to pass the ball and have football intelligence so that you can get better.

"These ingredients are what I'm looking for, whether you're 16 or 36."

Delivering titles in his first two seasons at the club confirms he has got signings right more often than wrong.

But Strachan reckons he should not be judged on his performance in the transfer market until his time at Parkhead ends.

He said: "One or two signings haven't worked out, but I think, as a manager, you should only be judged at the end of your term."