Mowbray not against more direct style

TONY MOWBRAY insists he is not "blindly" wedded to his passing principles.

Results have failed to match performances since Mowbray took charge of Celtic in the summer, with the club already out of the Champions League, Europa League and Co-operative Insurance Cup, as well as being nine points off the pace in the SPL.

Arch-rivals Rangers, meanwhile, have been grinding out results of late to extend their advantage at the top of the table.

Mowbray claims he is trying to give Celtic an identity worthy of the club's heritage but insists he would not snub a more direct approach if required.

"For long-term success, you've got to carry a footballing philosophy through your football club," said Mowbray, whose side have drawn their last two SPL games.

"The heritage and history of this club is that they've tried to be entertaining, attacking, open, flair football teams. It is the balance of winning titles, as the club have done over the last few years, of course.

"That said, when you need a goal and you have a6ft 3in centre-forward, you put the ball in the box. I don't ever blindly stick to principles that we must pass, pass, pass right to the death.

"We play to win, of course."