Tony Mowbray once told Celtic target that he wanted him to become like Roy Keane

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Tony Mowbray has given a glowing review of a Celtic target after previously challenging him to become more like Roy Keane.

The transfer window may be closed but the Hoops have still been linked with a number of players in recent months.

Celtic were able to sign Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer outside of the window closing, but there are added complications to this new deal due to the manner of how the midfielder departed.

Pierre Ekwah continues to be linked with Celtic

Pierre Ekwah has been linked with Celtic after telling Saint Etienne that he doesn’t want to play for the club anymore following their relegation last season.

Ekwah cancelled his contract in the summer but enjoyed a hot streak under former Hoops boss Mowbray while playing for Sunderland.

Various reports have suggested that Brendan Rodgers is monitoring from afar before committing to anything, especially as clubs across Europe are also interested in his signature.

Tony Mowbray was a huge fan of Pierre Ekwah

Mowbray briefly managed Ekwah while at Sunderland and saw him develop into a real talent.

He believed that the 23-year-old could go on to become ‘one hell of a footballer’ and previously said he wanted him to add elements of Ireland legend Keane to his game.

“He’s a really intelligent kid, Pierre, and sometimes he looks at me a bit like ‘come on gaffer, give us a break, will you’,” he said to the Chronicle Live in 2023.

“I want him a bit Roy Keane, if that makes sense. I want him to be nasty, to put his foot in, and win every tackle because I know he has got everything else. He’s got a wand of a left foot, he’s as strong as an ox, he can shoot, he can win headers, he can run – what can’t he do?

“I think if he brings some steel and intensity to his game and wins the midfield battle, we’ve got a really, really, good footballer on our hands.”