Leaders Celtic are desperate for a win in their penultimate SPL match to keep the pressure on Rangers.

Celtic fans have created an atmosphere hailed among the best in Europe for their Champions League ties in recent years.

But the tension is often more evident in domestic games, and so Strachan has urged the fans to remain firmly behind the team when Hibernian visit Parkhead on Sunday lunchtime.

And he has warned them that style may have to be sacrificed for winning football at this stage of the season.

Strachan said: "Hibs always give us a hard game and in head-to-heads this season, we've won one game each and have one draw.

"It's going to be hard and, although the fans have been smashing for us, we need another one of those European atmospheres on Sunday.

"Now I know that's difficult for the supporters, especially when the game starts at 12.30.

"That kick-off time doesn't make it easy for anybody and I understand that.

"But the crowd have to understand that with the way the game is getting played just now, it might not be a beautiful game.

"We will try to play football they like to see, but we need their patience.

"That's what we really need just now, it's not so much support, but patience.

"The support comes in matches, but we need patience."

Hibs striker Steven Fletcher has warned Celtic that the Edinburgh side thrive on the big-game atmosphere.

Hibs are just as eager for points as they challenge for a third-placed finish that would guarantee a UEFA Cup place.

The Easter Road men would need a result at Parkhead to stay in the chase if Motherwell beat Aberdeen on Saturday.

And Fletcher, who was this week named in the Scotland squad for this month's friendly in the Czech Republic, is confident of pulling off a shock.

"Every game is a big game for us but obviously being at Parkhead is an even bigger game because we need the three points," the 21-year-old said.

"We have got a young team and are always fired up for the big occasion."