Mowbray puts faith in McGeady
The Republic of Ireland midfielder was a stand-out in Saturday’s 3-1 home win over St Mirren which took the Hoops two points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the Premier League.
After St Mirren defender Chris Innes had turned Scott McDonald’s shot past his own goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, McGeady set up Georgios Samaras for number two and then crossed for McDonald’s clincher.
The Celtic manager will today turn his attention to a more difficult prospect, beating the Israeli side who are top of Group C with nine points while the Parkhead men languish at the bottom with two points, both having played four games.
To qualify, Celtic have to win against Hapoel and then beat Rapid Vienna away while looking for second-placed Hamburg to lose both their remaining fixtures.
It was to that unlikely end that Mowbray replaced McGeady with Niall McGinn with a couple of minutes remaining on Saturday.
“I took him off to make sure he wasn’t injured,” the former West Brom and Hibernian manager said.
“Aiden McGeady is an extremely talented individual, as we can all see, and a very important player for our team and our club.
Rangers striker Nacho Novo, meanwhile, is at the centre of a police investigation following an incident at the end of his side’s 1-0 defeat by Aberdeen on Saturday.
Novo was photographed with his shorts lowered beneath his buttocks as he walked off the pitch.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
