Source: Team_Talk
Moscow match 'excites' Mowbray
The Hoops go in to Wednesday night's clash at Parkhead as Wembley Cup winners after convincing victories over Egyptian side Al Ahly and Tottenham over the weekend.
And in the wake of an earlier friendly win against Brisbane Roar in Australia and a draw with Cardiff in Wales, with no goals conceded, optimism is growing among the Celtic faithful.
That is despite their side's lack of competitive action in contrast to their Russian opponents, who are 15 games in to their season.
Celtic boss Mowbray shares that optimism but added a touch of realism when he discussed Wednesday's game at the club's Lennoxtown training facility.
"When I watch the team train, I think 'excited' is a decent way to put it," he said ahead of his first competitive match in charge.
"There is a real professionalism about the players here, they have as good a focus as any players that I've ever worked with.
"They are sharp and ready and looking forward to the challenge.
"But there are always mixed emotions before a game and 'excited' is one of them but you are always wary of the opposition and the quality they possess.
"You hope that it is going to go well and I have belief in the team that it will go well because they trained exceptionally well and they look ready to me.
"They will give a good account of themselves. I feel we can give most teams problems.
"We have some talented individuals and I have no fears."
Mowbray added: "If I was to give you an adjective for Moscow, I
would say that they are a dangerous side.
"They are a capable team who play to definite shape, they are a dangerous counter-attacking side and, yet, in possession of the ball, they are disciplined and organised.
"I don't see any Lionel Messis in there, I don't see any great individual flair but I see a well-structured, organised football team who know what they are all about."
Meanwhile, Mowbray confirmed his interest in Stockport County teenager Josh Thompson.
Thompson was invited to West Brom for a week's trial last season when Mowbray was boss at the Hawthorns and interest has been rekindled.
"I've had him at a trial at West Brom so I know all about him," the Celtic manager said.
"I only put recommendations forward. Are we buying him? I think you should ask someone else. I don't know where negotiations are at.
"He's a very young player, 17 - or he might have touched 18 - but he is nowhere near our first team.
"He's just a talented young boy from a club that has hit a bit of financial difficulty.
"If it is something that can be done then I have no problem with that. If it can't then we will wish the young man good luck in his career and move on."
Mowbray revealed midfielders Scott Brown and Barry Robson are back in full training after long-term ankle and groin injuries, respectively, but neither will be used on Wednesday night.
"Scott Brown has trained the last couple of days which is very positive and Barry Robson has also trained the last couple of days so they are getting closer," Mowbray said.
"But if you have been out for the number of weeks that they have been out, it's not a case of training two days and coming straight back in.
"The players who have been playing in pre-season have shown that they are more than capable of giving a good account of themselves so Scott will be ready when he is ready."
