TONY MOWBRAY admits hope has now turned to belief that his Celtic side can get a positive result in his first competitive game in charge.

But the new Hoops boss will still send his players out with a warning when they face Dinamo Moscow tonight in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

Mowbray is only too aware how high the expectations are - and how dangerous the Russians can be if Celtic go gung ho and drop their guard for even a second.

He will challenge his players to take enough chances to give them a lead to take to Moscow next week, but also keep the door shut at the back to ensure Dinamo don't grab an important away goal.

Mowbray explained: "You go into big games excited, but you're also wary of the opposition, the quality they possess and the danger they have.

"You sit before games hoping it goes well, and I have belief in the team that it will go well. They look ready to me.

"I'd suggest the players are prepared as well physically and mentally as they can be considering how far into pre-season we are."

The manager's first-ever team selection for a game at Parkhead could be one of the most important he ever makes.

Lee Naylor's experience and pre-season form looks like keeping him in ahead of new Bhoy Danny Fox, while in midfield Landry N'Guemo could be partnered by Massimo Donati, who appeared to be on his way out at Parkhead until revitalised by the new boss.

Despite their scoring form, Chris Killen and Georgios Samaras will be kept in reserve in case Scott McDonald and Marco Fortune can't get the goals Celtic need to give them a lead to take to Moscow in seven days.

A parachute drop to the Europa League awaits the side which fails to come out on top in this two-leg tie. But Mowbray revealed he has not even given that a thought.

All the former defender's focus has been on is getting off to a winning start on his return to Celtic Park, and he has been reassured by this being reflected in the way his players have prepared for this match.

Mowbray said: "There is a real professionalism about the group of players we have here, a real focus. It's as good a focus as I ever worked with among footballers.

"They have an understanding what it means to play for this club, and an understanding of the importance of games."

Few will be more significant, financially, at any rate, than the four ties Celtic must negotiate if they are to collect the £10million that goes with qualifying for the Group Stages.