MOWBRAY: FANS HAVE BIG ROLE TO PLAY

Tony Mowbray has urged the Celtic fans to continue to play their part in extending the club's proud European home record as he prepares for his first competitive match as manager.

Mowbray will take charge of the team at Celtic Park for the first time when Dinamo Moscow visit on Wednesday in the Champions League qualifiers.

Only Barcelona have managed to secure an away victory in the previous 35 European matches at the Glasgow venue.

The former Hoops defender believes the supporters have played a key part in Celtic's impressive home results and he is keen for the fans to turn out in force again.

Mowbray said: "The backing of the fans is always important at Celtic Park, especially on big European nights. It will be massive for us on Wednesday.

"With total respect to the players who have played for Celtic over the last eight years in Europe, I would suggest that the proud home record the club enjoys has a lot to do with the supporters.

"Of course, it's up to the players on the pitch to produce the goods and win matches, but the feeling and confidence they get from the passion in the stands also plays a big part.

"We've all got a big role to play on Wednesday night and that includes the supporters.

"I'm sure they will come out and back the team, because they always have done over the years."

Mowbray has presided over a promising pre-season schedule which has seen Celtic score 10 goals without reply against Brisbane Roar, Al-Ahly and Tottenham, and draw 0-0 with Cardiff.

The former West Brom boss saw his side clinch the first silverware of his reign when they won the Wembley Cup with a 2-0 victory over Spurs yesterday.

"Look at the support in Australia and Wembley," Mowbray told celticfc.net.

"It was absolutely fantastic and hopefully the performances we have produced, and goals we have scored in the last few games, will encourage the supporters to buy in to what we are doing.

"We have been on our travels for the last few weeks, but this is a big chance for us to impress them for the first time at Celtic Park."

New signings Marc-Antoine Fortune, Landry N'Guemo and Danny Fox are in line for Celtic Park debuts in the first leg of the third qualifying round, which will not be screened on television.

DOCTOR: HARTSON IS 'GETTING STRONGER'

Critically-ill former Celtic star John Hartson is getting stronger and has made an excellent recovery from a procedure carried out on his brain at the weekend, his doctor said on Monday.

The 34-year-old former Arsenal and Wales striker was told two weeks ago he had testicular cancer that had spread to his brain.

He was admitted to hospital in his home city of Swansea, south Wales, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Since then he has remained critically ill in intensive care.

Dr Peter Matthews, critical care consultant at ABM University NHS Trust, said on Monday: "John Hartson remains under the care of our critical care team and neurosurgeons at Morriston Hospital.

"Following previous emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, a pre-planned neurosurgical drainage procedure was performed at the weekend from which he has made an excellent recovery.

"In general, John is physically getting stronger and we are hopeful that he will continue to do so with the multidisciplinary care he is receiving on our critical care unit.

"We hope that he will be in a position to advance his cancer treatment (chemotherapy) as soon as possible."

A statement released by Hartson's family said: "John is getting excellent care from all the staff at the hospital and all the family are here to give John as much support as we can.

"We're delighted he's been able to make some progress but realise that he still has a long way to go.

"The support we are receiving from friends and people around the world is a fantastic lift to us all."

CELTIC SECURE WEMBLEY PRIZE

First-half goals from Chris Killen and Georgios Samaras saw Celtic beat Tottenham 2-0 to claim the inaugural Wembley Cup.

Killen put the Hoops ahead on nine minutes, heading home after a great cross from Paul Caddis.

Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska had to make good saves from Darren Bent and Tom Huddlestone before Samaras sealed the victory with a fine individual effort five minutes before the interval.

Barcelona ended their Wembley Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Al-Ahly.

Bojan Krkic, Jose Mariarueda, Jeffren and Pedro got the goals for Pep Guardiola's side, who were given a first-half scare when Hany El Egezy levelled matters for the Egyptian outfit.

In Germany, Kevin Thomson made a welcome return to the Rangers midfield as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 win over Nurnberg.

Second-half strikes by substitutes Steven Naismith and Nacho Novo gave the SPL champions victory in the Frankenstadium.

Hamilton continued their preparations for the new SPL season with a 1-1 draw at Drogheda.

Simon Mensing bagged the Accies' goal as he headed home Derek Lyle's cross at the near post to secure a share of the spoils for Billy Reid's side after the hosts had taken the lead.