Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has made light of the most recent controversy to surround goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

The Poland international returned to his homeland last week to recuperate from a knee injury, where he was photographed in the company of friends, drinking and smoking cigars.

The former Legia Warsaw keeper, 28, was left out of his country’s squad for their opening World Cup qualifiers after breaching disciplinary rules following a friendly match with Ukraine in August.

And last month he was fined £500 and given a severe reprimand over gestures he made to Rangers fans during the last Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.

Asked what he made of the way Boruc spent his time off, Strachan replied: "It was his weekend off. He can do what he wants.

"Do you spend time with your girlfriend? Do you go to the cinema with her? Would you like her to kiss you now and then? That’s what Artur has done.

"I still go to the cinema with my wife. I still kiss her. She doesn’t like it, but there you go.

"It’s only human nature. He never broke any rules. He’s back training so I don’t have a problem with it.

"It might be nice if he did have a beer now and then — it might just loosen him up a wee bit."

Boruc is back in contention for today’s Scottish Premier League trip to St Mirren, but Strachan didn’t confirm if he would take over from deputy Mark Brown.

Responding to the suggestion that striker Georgios Samaras, who has recently returned to fitness following a knee injury, looked to use the match against St Mirren to hone his sharpness ahead of the Champions League game against Aalborg on Tuesday, Strahan said: "I’m not having that nonsense. The SPL is our main target.

"I will pick a team that I think will be the best for St Mirren.

"We’ve had to deal with injuries for two months. There have been things to test us and the players can take pride in how they have dealt with so many obstacles."