Celtic legend Billy McNeill has urged disgruntled fans to judge Tony Mowbray at the end of the season - not after just a few months in the job.

The Hoops boss has endured a mixed start to his tenure in the east end of Glasgow, with some supporters unhappy with results both at home and abroad so far this season.

"I've got a lot of sympathy for Tony," admitted McNeill. "He is in a difficult situation. He has taken a new job on. But he is sitting at the top of the league and people tend to forget that."

He added: "I can't understand how they can just dismiss the fact that we are sitting top of the league.

"He has performed well and, if he is still at the top of the league at the end of the season, what are they going to say then?"

McNeill can understand the frustrations of the fans and says, as a former player, Mowbray will also be keenly aware of their demands.

He said: "The fans are terrific and this club is very fortunate to have such fantastic fans. But they are demanding. There is no doubt about that. You can understand it.

"They travel everywhere to see the team and it really is important to give them something to enjoy. If you can do that, and win the league, it's all good.

"Tony played here, he knows what is expected of you here. He would have come here with the full knowledge of what was going to be demanded of him. I just hope he is able to stay here and provide the fans with the type of results they want.

"I'm confident that will happen. I think he has started well, he is enthusiastic in his own style, and hopefully he puts it all together and does get it right."