Mowbray stands by Brown decision

Tony Mowbray insists he was vindicated by his decision to leave Scott Brown on the bench for Wednesday night's historic 2-0 (2-1 aggregate) Champions League third qualifying win over Dinamo Moscow in the Arena Khimki.

Mowbray gave Massimo Donati the nod over the Scotland international, but with just over 20 minutes remaining, Brown came on for Marc-Antoine Fortune to support Scott McDonald who had levelled the tie 1-1 on aggregate. Brown's energy gave Celtic a lift and the Parkhead side grabbed a dramatic winner in the last minute through Georgios Samaras.

And Mowbray defended his decision, saying: "Scott Brown wasn't ready to start this game. It was too important for a boy who has played only 60 minutes of football in nine weeks or whatever it was."

He added: "The team is more important than the individual, I've said that in the past and Scott understood that. I've always said that Scott Brown is a fantastic footballer.

"He can play anywhere, right back, centre half, centre midfield, right wing, left wing, and centre forward as he did here because he has the athleticism and the knowledge of how to play.

"So I expected him to have an impact on the game in whatever position I played him in."

Celtic go in to the Champions League play-off draw on Friday having won their first European game away from home in six years.

Hero Samaras is hoping his crucial goal impressed Mowbray who, thus far, appears to prefer the McDonald-Fortune pairing in attack.

"I played a lot of games last season and was second top scorer," the Greece international said. "It's up to the gaffer who he plays, and what shape we are going to play but I am here for him and here for the club.

"I am never going to give up because I know my abilities and qualities. Every time he wants me I will be here for him."