Caldwell backs Celtic to improve

Caldwell insists Celtic can continue to improve under manager Tony Mowbray

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell has dismissed criticism of Celtic's results in Europe and insists the team will improve under manager Tony Mowbray.

The 27-year-old Scotland international, who donned the captain's armband for the 0-0 Europa League draw in Hamburg, says Celtic are getting better.

"It wasn't the performance we were looking for, but we have to build on this and get better," said Caldwell.

"We're still working on a lot of things. We'll get it right."

Celtic have come under fire from fans following a poor start to the season, crashing out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup at home to Hearts and suffering two home defeats in the Scottish Premier League.

The club's performances in the Europe League have garnered only two points from four matches and qualification from the group stage of the tournament is now out of their hands.

I think we're doing it pretty well - we're top of the league, and we had a good performance against Hamburg Celtic defender Gary Caldwell

Caldwell himself has been criticised by Celtic fans for saying he would leave if his contract demands were not met but insists it is all part of playing for one of the biggest club's in the country.

"You have to be pretty thick-skinned when you play for either half of the Old Firm," said Caldwell, referring to Rangers' poor form in the Champions League.

"It's a rarity that both sides are getting stick at the same time.

"We have to deal with that - it's part and parcel of playing at a club like this.

"Obviously, Europe is going to be tough this year, but we still have a lot to play for.

"I think we're doing it pretty well - we're top of the league and we had a good performance against Hamburg."

Meanwhile, Caldwell's team-mate, Scott McDonald, hopes to put the pain of his Europa League misses behind him when Celtic return to Premier League duty away to Falkirk on Sunday.

The Australian striker was twice thwarted by Hamburg goalkeeper Frank Rost in the first half of the draw in the Nordbank Arena.

McDonald, who was replaced with Marc-Antoine Fortune just before the hour mark, is aiming to get back on target against the Bairns if he makes the starting 11.

"I am looking forward to getting the boots back on for Sunday and hopefully putting a few in the net - that's if I play," said McDonald, who has been dropped from the latest Australia squad.

"Everyone is fighting for a place and there is good competition.

Mowbray laments frustrating night

"Marc-Antoine Fortune is back as well, so you don't know what the manager is thinking.

"But we have to turn up at Falkirk and have the right attitude."

McDonald thought his name was on the score-sheet when strike partner Georgios Samaras handed him his first chance with 17 minutes played.

The former Motherwell striker sent a curling shot towards the far corner, but Rost parried the ball wide.

"I'm pretty unhappy about it, but I won't let it get me down," said McDonald.

"I thought I had scored, but you have to give the keeper a bit of credit.

"It does help when you are six foot six and he got down very well, very quickly."