Fortuné predicts misfortune down Ibrox way

Last updated : 13 February 2010 By Mikbhoy

Marc-Antoine Fortuné
Tony Mowbray took time out this week to reiterate his faith in French forward Marco Fortuné and to highlight his importance to the side in the wake of a January transfer window that saw Robbie Keane, Morten Rasmussen and Diomansy Kamara added to Celtic's striking options. Fortuné netted his ninth goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Hearts in midweek and he was happy to hear that his manager sees him as a vital cog in the chase for the title - a title that he firmly believes we can win.

"I think Rangers will crack, I have to believe that." he said. "It's not easy to be out in front and see people behind you win games. When you see the team behind you refusing to accept defeat, then it becomes very hard. We have to keep the pressure on and hope they make mistakes. We made mistakes earlier in the season, so why not Rangers now?"

"It's always good when a manager talks about you like this." said Fortuné of his manager's praise this week. "I was happy he signed Robbie as he will bring a lot to Celtic, but the things the manager said has helped me, although my confidence was high anyway. I feel sharp and when you have had injuries at a new club, it's hard to get back. Now I'm fully fit, I'm trying to do my best for Celtic."

"My best season for goals was maybe when I was at Nancy." he continued. "But I'm not thinking about goals - only winning. I'd be happy if I got to 15 because if I do that then we'll be close to the title. We needed new strikers in the window as Chris Killen and Scott McDonald were leaving. The simple maths made it necessary for new strikers to come in."

"I also accept the challenge of new players coming here." said Celtic's number 10. "It's not easy for so many to come in and gel but we're professionals and have to do our own job first, then it will happen."

Robbie Keane is likely to partner Fortuné up front at Pittodrie today and the Republic of Ireland international will be looking to score his first goal in the SPL. The big Frenchman is delighted to be playing alongside Keane and he understands Robbie's urgency to open his league goal-scoring account. "Robbie excites the fans and the players." said Marco. "I didn't speak with him on Wednesday night after a missed chance, when he might have passed to me. We glanced at each other and the message got across! But I understand why he was shooting. I was like that myself when I desperately wanted to score a goal."