Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has revealed a bold long-term vision to turn the club's fortunes around. The Hoops insists that his aim at Parkhead is to create a side that will challenge the top clubs in years to come.

"I don't think it's a crime to say that we are trying to improve," he said.

"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.

"They are not making a few changes because they genuinely feel this team can come and win. So that's what I want to try and build."

However, Mowbray also conceded that it might be difficult to attract new players to the club in the January transfer window.

"We can sit here and wait with bated breath for January but January can come and go and nothing can happen," the former West Brom boss added.

"It depends on the availability of footballers. Players might not be available or affordable.

"The board have been very supportive, we have a very good working relationship.

"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 million pounds.

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

"It can happen out on the training ground or it can happen from bringing new players in. Every club strives to improve.

"Can we afford not to bring anyone in? It depends what your objectives are. But this group of players are more than capable of winning the title.

"If you were at Ibrox two or three weeks ago, I don't think we came away from the game thinking we have a long way to go, I think we came away thinking we were hard done by.

"We could have won and maybe deserved to win. Are we short on quality regarding the rest of the SPL? I don't think so. We have more quality than them."