Tony Mowbray is using some sage advice from Sir Alex Ferguson to see him through the tricky start to his Celtic career.

A 1-0 home defeat to Hamburg on Thursday night left the Parkhead club with one point from three Europa League Group C games, and facing a European exit before Christmas.

Losing a four-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League has also done little to endear the former West Brom and Hibernian manager to some increasingly sceptical Hoops fans.

Preparing for Sunday's SPL match against Hamilton at New Douglas Park, where Celtic are under pressure to find their first win in five games, Mowbray recalled some wise words from the Manchester United boss.

''Look at some of the results in the first eight or nine (league) games of this season, us drawing against Dundee United and Motherwell,'' said the Celtic manager.

''You look at Rangers' results as well - they have had draws that they would like to have turned in to wins.

''That suggests that, particularly early on in the season when adrenaline is still high, people can make it very difficult for you.

''I heard Sir Alex talking about championships not being won in October and November, but in March and April.

''That's why I don't really feel the pressure.

''I know that if we can win the championship this year and add a cup to it or two, people will not be as critical.

''We know where we are going with this group of players - and I hope, as time moves on, we will all enjoy it.''

Mowbray admits that, with games coming thick and fast at this stage of the season, his ability to assess Billy Reid's side has been restricted.

''The staff have watched them a few times this season,'' the former Celtic defender reported.

''Peter Grant has been to see them, and so has Mark Venus.

''I will be watching them on DVD.

''We will be as prepared as we can for Hamilton, because we have total respect for every team in this league.''