Mowbray says signing targets may be out of his price range

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has cooled speculation he will overhaul his squad in the January transfer window.

Following the 1-0 defeat by Hamburg, Mowbray hinted that some players were playing for their futures at the club.

However, he warned: "We can sit with bated breath but January can come and go and nothing can happen. Players might not be available or affordable.

"All I'm trying to get across is that there's a desire to improve our playing squad. Every club strives to improve."

Defeat by Hamburg leaves Celtic rooted to the bottom of Europa League Group C, five points behind Hamburg and Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Mowbray's side have slipped to second spot in the Scottish Premier League after taking one point from six and have won just two of their eight home games.

If the right player comes along then I think we'll be in the market, whether it's a free transfer or whether that player costs a few millions pounds Celtic manager Tony Mowbray

Their stuttering form led the manager to say it was up to the players to prove they were worthy of staying at the club.

However, Mowbray has distanced himself from speculation he will overhaul his squad in the upcoming transfer window.

"The board have been very supportive, we have a very good working relationship," the former West Brom boss said.

"They are looking for value and if the right player comes along then I think we will be in the market, whether it's a free transfer or whether that player costs a few millions pounds."

Mowbray revealed his ambition is to fashion a squad capable of holding their own against Manchester United.

"It's right for me to want to improve the team and improve the players so that three years down the line, when we go to Old Trafford, they are worried, they are concerned," he said.

Celtic full-back Mark Wilson believes Mowbray was right to warn his players over their futures.

"He's a new manager and since he has come in, the players haven't set the place alight," Wilson said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Mowbray's criticism

"It's been a pretty disappointing start to the season and with a new manager you're always playing for your career.

"So I think he has got a point, he can only judge the players on what he has seen and it's been poor."

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