The Hoops went into the match on the back of a 1-0 Scottish Cup replay defeat by Aberdeen at Parkhead in which the Dons scored with one of two chances presented to them on the night.

Before the trip to Almondvale, Strachan revealed a whole series of statistics to back up his theory that the champions had simply run out of luck in recent weeks.

The turning point in the game against the SPL bottom side was arguably when Gretna midfielder Nicky Deverdics missed a great chance just after the break when the Hoops' were only a Scott McDonald goal ahead.

Further strikes by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and substitute Georgios Samaras sealed the victory.

Strachan is hoping his side's luck has changed ahead of the Old Firm game at Ibrox next Saturday where Celtic can go top of the table with a victory

"We were fortunate against Gretna because the one good chance they got they missed," he said.

"We weren't fortunate the other night (against Aberdeen). Maybe Gretna are a bit aggrieved at missing it but we were due a wee bit of good fortune. It wasn't a great display but the result was very good.

"The performance last Tuesday night against Aberdeen was far better than the performance against Gretna but we got the three points and we are happy with that.

"The performance can get better and we are looking forward to that. I thought the back four players did well considering the pressure we were playing under.

"If you lose a goal then there is a panic on. Considering they have had really nothing to do in the last few games, they did well."

Gretna's caretaker boss Mick Wadsworth insisted his side did well enough for a club currently in administration and struggling to cobble a side together.

"We were lacking an out-and-out striker and had to play midfielders up front," Wadsworth said.

"But they did okay and the game hinged on that good opportunity that we had. It was a big chance and if it had gone to 1-1, then I thought the tempo was in our favour.

"We were playing against very good players but in terms of effort, I thought the players were superb."