Mowbray: 'I want Celtic to be feared and respected in European football'

TONY Mowbray set his sights on Europe in his first day in the Celtic manager's job, describing the best players on the continent as his inspiration as he attempts to build a Celtic side equipped to both entertain and win.

The former Celtic defender was given a rousing welcome on his return by fans who gathered at a wet Parkhead yesterday, and his statement of ambition was music to the ears of those who felt that predecessor Gordon Strachan could deliver trophies but provide little satisfaction.

Mowbray could hardly be accused to getting ahead of himself by looking to Europe, with a crucial Champions League qualifying round has to be negotiated in just six weeks' time.

"The team is what it is at the moment," he said. "Within six weeks, I am not going to change the whole philosophy of the playing style and the mindset of the footballers.

"I would like to build a team that can compete at all levels, to be feared and respected, not only in the Scottish game but in Europe.

"What I've got to try and do is to put together a team that can punch above its weight on the European stage. Those European nights at Celtic Park, when some of the bigger sides come to play, they've got to fear us a little."

Mowbray added: "You watch (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi, (Lionel) Messi and great players like that. That is what inspires me. I need to be inspired as well and the supporters need inspiring.

"When I watch Spain, Barcelona and great technical teams and players, I try and recreate that where possible.

"I can't make a Lionel Messi out of a player but the best teams are a unit, a group of individual players who understand their role within the team. That's what we hope to work towards."