Mowbray biding his time

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has assured his new players he will give them time to prove themselves before moving anyone on.

Mowbray yesterday confirmed Paul Hartley and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink would not be offered new contracts, but those still on the payroll will not be rushed out of the door.

The former West Brom boss hopes to persuade Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune to choose Celtic ahead of Hull, Portsmouth and Fulham in the coming days.

But he is working continuously on other transfer deals in case the former Baggies striker chooses to further his career in England.

“We are all working very, very hard to make these things happen,” Mowbray said.

“As I say to them, I want to look at the players. I don’t want on day one to say yes, he can go out.

“That’s why you have got to have options, it’s no good putting all your eggs in one basket.”