Mowbray puts Celtic interests ahead of Scotland’s

TONY MOWBRAY insists helping to restore the good name of Scottish football will be of secondary importance to helping Celtic through their crucial Europa League Group C clash with Hamburg at Parkhead tonight.

Rangers’ Champions League aspirations were left in tatters after an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Romanian side Unirea Urziceni at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Celtic have their own worries, as they trail their city rivals at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and their own European hopes remain in the balance.

After a 2-1 defeat by Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel on matchday one, and a 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna at Celtic Park at the start of the month, Celtic need all three points against the German side if they are to have a realistic chance of qualifying out of their section.

Last night Celtic manager Mowbray addressed the notion of providing a fillip for the domestic game with a win over Hamburg, who are second behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga only on goal difference.

“Do I feel a responsibility for the Scottish game? No,” Mowbray said.

“I have a responsibility to our supporters to try to give them a performance that they are happy with and hopefully try to get us some points.

“I am just trying to win a football match for our fans and for the club.

“If it helps the mood around Scottish football then great, but basically we will be out to get some points to try to progress in a European competition.”

Mowbray’s side have won only two out of seven home games since he took over from Gordon Strachan in the summer and the fans booed them off after the goalless draw against Motherwell on Saturday.

Nevertheless Hamburg boss Bruno Labbadia has warned his players to expect a hot Parkhead reception.

“There is a difference when you compare the Scottish and German leagues,” the former Bayern Munich and Hamburg striker said.

“In Scotland, especially with Celtic, you can really see the tradition.

“The pitch is on fire when the teams come out and the atmosphere is wonderful. We are two very strong teams, two great teams with traditions and I think it will be a wonderful game.”

Labbadia will not set his side out simply hoping to catch Celtic on the break.

He said: “We are a team that tries to play our own game and that’s what our aim will be tomorrow.”