Mowbray feels the heat

Up against the wily old campaigner Walter Smith, Tony Mowbray is being made to look a bit of a mug in his first season as an Old Firm manager.

He's admitted he doesn't enjoy the job, and now last night's defeat to Hibs has left Celtic 10 points behind Rangers in the title race. They have a game in hand, but boy do they need it.

Predictably enough, the armchair Tims were furious about the result, with "this is worse than John Barnes" being the chosen phrase to text in to whatever radio show might be interested. Expect the Glasgow rags to pick up the "Celtic in crisis" theme as they bay for some blood to be spilled.

More intelligent supporters - for example, the ones who actually go to games and pay attention to what goes on - are backing Mowbray for now. They know that Celtic would have won last night if Samaras had taken one of his chances, that Mowbray is trying to rebuild central defence half way through a season (a bold but risky move) and that the team is much more creative than a year ago.

Credit to Mowbray, he took the result on the chin, and didn't try the fanciful claim that Celtic were robbed. Yes, Hibs were under the cosh for much of the match, but they weathered the storm and deserved their win.

Mowbray has warned about "destabilising elements" that surround the club, but will be hoping to further remodel his squad before the transfer window shuts, if he can find buyers for Danny Fox and Stephen McManus.

He seems determined to carry on with the job, despite the pressure.