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Tony Mowbray pleased at Celtic's Scottish Cup victory

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray
Mowbray was happy to see Celtic beat Dunfermline at East End park

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray expressed relief after his side came from behind to beat Dunfermline and progress to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

"There was some good and bad from us," Mowbray told BBC Scotland after the 4-2 victory at East End Park.

"At times today we looked very good and in total control and able to score at will. But at other times we let our standards slip slightly.

"I hope Celtic supporters can see what we're trying to build here."

Celtic took the lead through Diomansy Kamara but quickly found themselves 2-1 down following goals from David Graham and Andy Kirk.

Morten Rasmussen equalised just before half-time and the visitors improved after the break following the introduction of Robbie Keane.

Keane scored from the spot and Calum Woods's own goal ensured Celtic progressed to the quarter-finals.

"A lot of people seem to think there's a magic wand, you bring players in and everything just clicks into place," said Mowbray.

"But the signs are there. When we're in possession of the ball and going forward then I think this team can be exciting.

"We've still got work to do at the other end of the pitch. We missed Jos Hooiveld today, who has brought some composure to our backline.

"Today we had a young 18-year-old at centre-half and we did try to strengthen that area during the transfer window.

"It didn't quite happen for us but we will get there. I'm sure the people who make the key decisions at this football club can see things developing."

Robbie Keane celebrates his goal against Dunfermline
Robbie Keane scored his first goal for Celtic in the win over the Pars

Mowbray was delighted with the impact on-loan striker Keane made when he came on at the start of the second half.

"Robbie has genuine class and if you can add class to a hard-working, talented football team and a little bit of magic then it can be the difference," he said.

"Robbie ignited that today; it's his cleverness and movement that creates space for the players to do the damage.

"I'm disappointed with the nature of the goals we conceded but it's about getting through and we managed to do that.

"I understand the hysteria surrounding a defeat but what I try to do is build football clubs from a position of strength."



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see also
Dunfermline 2-4 Celtic
07 Feb 10 |  Scottish Cups
Scottish Cup as it happened
07 Feb 10 |  Scottish Cups


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