Mowbray still hopeful of Euro impact

Tony Mowbray insists there is no disgrace in being beaten by Arsenal – and declared Celtic are ready to show they can take on the best of the rest of the English top flight in the Europa League.

With his side trailing 2-0 from the first leg of their Champions League qualifier in Glasgow, the opening goal at the Emirates Stadium was always going to be crucial if the Hoops were to stand any chance of another heroic away performance.

However, their luck was out last night when Spanish referee Manuel Gonzalez ruled Croatia striker Eduardo had been brought down by Celtic keeper Artur Boruc on the half hour and awarded the hosts a penalty, when any contact looked minimal at best.

Emmanuel Eboue made sure there would be no comeback before substitute Andrey Arshavin slotted in a third. Bhoys midfielder Massimo Donati volleyed home a superb consolation goal in stoppage-time.

With his side now set to compete in the newly-formed Europa League, Mowbray hopes Celtic will get the chance to prove their worth against some Barclays Premier League clubs not of Arsenal’s calibre.

He said: “I would suggest there are only four teams in the English Premier League of the quality of Arsenal.”