Ange Postecoglou's Celtic rebuild praised as John Hartson aims dig at Eddie Howe

John Hartson drew comparison between Ange Postecoglou and one-time Celtic target Eddie Howe as he hailed the "brilliant job" the former has done during his time in Glasgow.

The Aussie was appointed Hoops boss in June, following a protracted pursuit of Howe, now Newcastle manager, which ended without the club securing their priority target.

However, Postecoglou has grasped the opportunity at Celtic with both hands, conducting a robust rebuild, which has resulted in them winning the League Cup and going top of the Scottish Premiership after beating Rangers last night.

Hartson, who played for Celtic from 2001 to 2006, has conceded he was wrong about Postecoglou at first - having previously doubted the 56-year-old's credentials.

He went on to say that Postecoglou's recruitment has been "magnificent" and praised the job he has done so far - while having a dig at Howe and referencing his failed stint at Burnley.

"Celtic can give him a huge opportunity," he told the Go Radio Football Show. "Celtic's a global club, a wonderful opportunity for Ange to come from the J-League.

"I know he managed his country as well, but Ange would have seen this as his biggest job, I would imagine.

"I know when you manage your country it's huge, but Celtic Football Club is on a different stratosphere, the fanbase and everything else.

"The challenge that faced Celtic, he didn't stutter at all, he took it straight away.

"He came in, no backroom staff, no director of football, came in pretty blind to the job but from day one, boy has he made an impression, with his knowledge, his humility, he tells the truth, and his style of play.

"It's difficult sometimes for the players to keep up that 4-3-3 but he hasn't wilted.

"He's kept with that system against all the criticism that people were saying at the start of the season, myself included.

"He's improved the team, his signings have been magnificent but I think if Celtic fans are being totally honest, there will be thousands upon thousands of the fans worldwide that will say, 'we didn't know, we were shocked, we wanted Eddie Howe, he was the big one'.

"Why we all wanted Eddie Howe, he's probably the next best thing, the biggest name I think, but he hadn't pulled up any trees.

"He got relegated at Bournemouth, he only really managed Bournemouth - didn't cut it at Burnley.

"Bournemouth have been relegated, put them down to the Championship, played good football but in terms of bringing Ange in, nobody knew who he was so the job he's done has been brilliant."