Mowbray expects: Robbie Keane has a 100 per cent scoring record so far with Celtic but is under pressure to keep it up. Pic: ©SNS Group
Tony Mowbray wants on-loan striker Robbie Keane to end his Celtic career with a goal-a-game record after a bright start to his time in Glasgow. The Tottenham Hotspur forward took his tally to nine in nine games with a goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League.
Keane converted a second half penalty to help his team on their way to victory over the Saints and, with a possible 11 games remaining should Celtic make it to the Scottish Cup final, Mowbray wants his star man to maintain his rich vein of form.
"A goal a game? I think so," Mowbray said. "He could have scored more than the penalty kick against St Johnstone.
"Most goalkeepers seem to be inspired against Robbie and there were a few good saves against him but I'm sure the chances will continue to come.
"Like all top strikers he is looking to score goals and I'm sure he will continue to score goals in the last nine games or whatever is left."
Republic of Ireland international Keane has had a number of different striking partners in his nine games with Celtic and lined up alongside 22-year-old Paul McGowan in Saturday’s victory.
With the Hoops chasing Scottish Cup glory, while also striving to maintain their league form in case of any slip ups from runaway leaders Rangers, Mowbray says he is continuing to tinker with his options to try and strike a balance.
"Keane has shown me that he is the type of player that plays on the shoulder of the last defender," the Celtic boss said. "You either have a big guy who Robbie can play off, or you have a guy like McGowan who is half-striker, half-midfielder and who can turn and slide the ball between the gaps.
"Robbie showed that while there were numerous offside decisions that were marginal, there are one or two in the 90 minutes where he is through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It is trying to find the balance to the team."
