Source: Team_Talk
Mowbray hails 'assured' Boruc
The Hoops goalkeeper was in fine form as Celtic claimed a 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar as the Mowbray-era got off to a winning start in Australia.
An upset appeared to be on the cards early on when the Roar's strikers, led by youngster Robbie Kruse, were able to find space in dangerous positions.
But Boruc made a number of brilliant one-handed stops in the opening stages before a double from Chris Killen and a Koki Mizuno header sealed the win.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has already warned potential suitors that Boruc is not for sale, despite making headlines both on and off the pitch last season, and Mowbray had nothing but praise for his number one.
"From day one, walking in the building, I could see how good a goalkeeper Artur is really," he said.
"He's so assured in everything he does and he's such a big presence and today he proved it on the pitch.
"It's no secret, I think everyone knows Artur Boruc is a top, top goalkeeper and we're happy to have him."
A crowd of more than 31,000 at the Suncorp Stadium also witnessed the debut of new signing Marc-Antoine Fortune, who joined Celtic in a reported £3.8million move from Nancy hours before jetting out to Australia.
The French Guyana-born striker clearly struggled with the hurried preparation and was obviously not at his best but Mowbray is confident his first summer signing will adapt quickly to his new surroundings.
He said: "I think he showed how strong he can be, how well he holds the ball up. We were pretty conscious he's done no training with us really.
"We signed him the day before we came so we didn't want to rush him into anything.
"He'll be fine, I've got no fears about his quality and he'll fit in well."
The second half was married slightly by three pitch invaders, including one streaker sprinting across the Roar goal line clad only in a Celtic scarf, but Mowbray declared an otherwise entertaining clash a worthwhile exercise.
"It was a proper football match against a highly motivated team and it was a really good test for us for the full 90 minutes," he said.
"We probably gave them too many opportunities in the first 10 minutes but that's understandable after the journey and how quickly the game has come after landing.
"I thought we put a really good work ethic into it and a couple of real bits of quality scored us the goals and in any football match that's ultimately what counts."
The only concern arising from the match was a possible knee injury to youngster Milan Misun but Mowbray was optimistic it was not too serious.
He said: "I'd be more concerned if it was one of the more senior players, we go into the Champions League games hoping they'll all be playing.
"There was a concern about his knee but we're hopeful it's just a kick, there's a bit of swelling there.
"There was no point taking risks, that's why we got him off. It was an exercise to try and give everybody some game time and hopefully it's not too serious."
