Look to the long term

Simon Donnelly considers that former team-mate Tony Mowbray will bring success to Parkhead despite his difficult first season in charge. The only realistic hope of silverware this season is progress in Scottish Cup by dealing with the winners of the Hibs-Ross County replay and winning in the final no matter who we meet. Mowbray has always promised to bring long-term success to Celtic playing with style, but he is under pressure to ensure the club does not end a season without a trophy for the first time since 2003. However, Donnelly believes the Teessider's honesty and determination will ensure he turns Celtic's fortunes around along.

The Partick Thistle forward said: "From a fan's point of view, it's a bit disappointing. You would prefer to be a bit further up the table and closer to Rangers. It's not looking like that this year. They are still in the cup obviously and hopefully big Mogga can build a squad that's good enough to challenge next year. Like any new manager, you need time to get your own players in and get your ideas across. Unfortunately at the Old Firm, sometimes you don't get that time. But hopefully Mogga will, him and Granty are good coaches and good guys. They are good men and good professionals in the game and try to play the right way at Celtic. Unfortunately it's not happened at Celtic this season as yet but hopefully it can click and the boys can do well next season. It's well documented he was the guy that brought the huddle to Celtic. He was a big voice in the dressing room and a good, honest guy. He has worked well at Hibs and West Brom as a coach and given the time there, I'm sure he'll get success."