Mowbray is not a man to be fazed by pressure and is relying on some sage advice from Sir Alex Ferguson to see him through the tricky start to his time at Parkhead. Celtic are looking to find their first win in five games, and Mowbray recalled some wise words from the Manchester United boss. He said: "Look at some of the results in the first eight or nine (league) games of this season, us drawing against Dundee United and Motherwell. You look at Rangers' results as well - they have had draws that they would like to have turned in to wins. That suggests that, particularly early on in the season when adrenaline is still high, people can make it very difficult for you. I heard Sir Alex talking about championships not being won in October and November, but in March and April. That's why I don't really feel the pressure. I know that if we can win the championship this year and add a cup to it or two, people will not be as critical. We know where we are going with this group of players - and I hope, as time moves on, we will all enjoy it."

Mowbray admits that, with games coming thick and fast at this stage of the season, his ability to assess Reid's side has been limited. He said: "The staff have watched them a few times this season. Peter Grant has been to see them, and so has Mark Venus. I will be watching them on DVD. We will be as prepared as we can for Hamilton, because we have total respect for every team in this league."