Mowbray: Arsenal draw is a tough one

Published on Friday 7 August 2009 17:51

CELTIC manager Tony Mowbray is confident his side can overcome English rivals Arsenal for a place in the Champions League.

The Hoops were handed the toughest possible opponents in this morning's play-off round draw in Nyon but Mowbray is adamant his side can upset the odds.

A place in the lucrative group stage is at stake in the latest all-British tie in Europe's premier club competition and new manager Mowbray is determined to grab it.

"We will be doing everything we possibly can to get to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League," Mowbray told his club's website.

"The club has had a lot of success in the tournament in recent years and we will try to continue that."

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Mowbray was on Celtic's training pitch at Barrowfield when news filtered through they had been paired with the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger's men were semi-finalists last year and handed out a footballing lesson to Rangers less than a week ago but Mowbray is upbeat about his side's chances following Wednesday's historic 2-0 third qualifying round second leg win at Dinamo Moscow.

It was the first time Celtic had won a European tie after losing the first leg at home and Mowbray said: "The attitude and application of the players since I arrived at Celtic has been first class, and their ability was there for all to see against Dinamo on Wednesday."

He added: "It's a tough draw for us but everyone at the club is looking forward to two games against one of the top sides in European football.

"It's a glamour draw for both clubs and one that will certainly capture the imagination of supporters north and south of the border. We can all look forward to two fantastic European nights.

"I have huge respect for Arsene and the job he's done at Arsenal. He's had a lot of success at the club and has built a side that plays the game in the right way.

"They don't spend the millions on players that other English clubs do, but they play with a real style and always try to entertain. That's down to Arsene and his philosophies."