Source: Team_Talk
Mowbray ready for Hapoel test
The Hoops dropped into the revamped second-tier European club competition after being knocked out at the Champions League play-off stage 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal.[LNB]However, in the preceding qualifier, the Parkhead men overturned a 1-0 home defeat by Dinamo Moscow with an impressive 2-0 win in the return game in Russia.[LNB]Mowbray is looking for more of that type of football against Hapoel in Israel.[LNB]"A repeat of the win in Russia would be nice," the Parkhead boss said.[LNB]"The team have shown that they can be disciplined away from home in Europe.[LNB]"Even against Arsenal at the Emirates, for long, long spells we were very much in that game.[LNB]"But in Moscow, we were very controlled and patient and we got the goals at great times and we will be looking to do something similar tonight.[LNB]"But every game is different, it throws up different challenges and I'm sure there will be more challenges tonight."[LNB]Mowbray, who admitted concerns about UEFA's experiment with two extra officials, one behind each goal, gave due respect to Hapoel.[LNB]"I know enough about them," the former Hibernian boss said.[LNB]"I have seen them on DVDs and they play expansive football in a style that I appreciate.[LNB]"They look a technical team with talented individuals, players who could comfortably play in England or Scotland.[LNB]"So I know it will be a hard game."[LNB]Gary Caldwell was more forthright than his boss, claiming that the Hoops can go all the way in the tournament.[LNB]"We believe we can win it," the Hoops skipper said.[LNB]"We have proved in previous seasons in the Champions League that we can compete with the very best.[LNB]"This competition is a tier slightly below the Champions League, although there are some great teams in it.[LNB]"The top two pots (in the draw), you could see that there were some top teams from all over Europe (in them) but, overall, we have a squad capable of going very far.[LNB]"The group will be difficult but then it's a knockout and we believe we can win it.[LNB]"In previous years, a lot of clubs didn't really try and win the (UEFA) Cup; they played weakened teams and rested players.[LNB]"But this year it has a new format, very similar to the Champions League with some very good teams in it, so I'm sure it will be a better competition."[LNB][LNB] Hapoel Tel Aviv v Celtic. Click here to bet.
