Tony Mowbray retains faith in toiling Celtic squad

Aiden McGeady finds his progress blocked by Falkirk defender Darren Barr

The Parkhead side are now nine points behind Rangers, with a game in hand, after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to bottom-of-the-table Falkirk on Saturday.

Fans unfurled a banner urging the board of directors not to repeat last year's lack of transfer window dealings. A section of the Celtic support believe that the failure to strengthen the squad last January cost the club the league title.

The finale of Saturday's match drew comparisons with Celtic's previous home game, when they drew 1-1 against Rangers despite creating the vast majority of chances. Celtic have now failed to win 12 of their last 19 games, but Mowbray has faith in his players to claw back the deficit.

"We didn't win the football match, like we didn't two weeks ago, when the team was fine again. If I thought there was major surgery to do, I'd be more concerned," he said. "I think the players have high enough quality to turn these games into victories. Somewhere along the line we are going to score a lot of goals, I'm sure. You talk about us being nine points behind but let's judge where the season finishes."

Mowbray lost skipper Stephen McManus to injury during the game, and the lack of strength in depth was illustrated by the substitute appearance of 18-year-old Josh Thompson. Mowbray had already been without six players who featured against Rangers, including the departed Gary Caldwell and Barry Robson and African Nations Cup participant Landry N'Guemo.

While Mowbray was not helped by illness to Glenn Loovens and a late groin injury for Danny Fox, whose absence came on the back of Scott McDonald's hernia surgery, the manager could not guarantee there would be additions to his squad before the transfer window closes.

Celtic have been linked with Portsmouth striker John Utaka. The 25-year-old Nigerian signed from Rennes in a 7 million deal two years ago and is under contract for a further two years, but Portsmouth are in financial peril and need to cut the wage bill.

Australian Adrian Pellegrino is expected to arrive on trial at Celtic in the next few days. The 25-year-old Perth Glory midfielder was his club's player of the year last season.