Reports today claimed Alex McLeish was preparing an £8million bid for the Hoops' star player, who has been on the Birmingham boss' wishlist for some time.

But Mowbray, who this week allowed Gary Caldwell, Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Willo Flood to leave Parkhead, insisted there was no chance of winger McGeady following them out of the door.

"Aiden's a very important player for our club in what we're trying to build here," said Mowbray.

"There's no interest whatsoever in listening to bids.

"Other clubs would be wasting their energy picking the phone up."

Mowbray sees McGeady as crucial to Celtic's hopes of wresting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title from Rangers.

"I wouldn't sit here and say one player makes the difference," he said.

"But what Aiden McGeady brings is that x-factor for us really, the ability in the Scottish game - where we do play against teams with a lot of men behind the ball - to eliminate individuals, to go past packed defences, to beat two and three men.

"Our financial situation is we don't need to accept bids for players that we don't want to sell."

Mowbray's stance will be welcomed by supporters concerned over the loss of Caldwell and Robson to Wigan and Middlesbrough, respectively.

Caldwell's departure was inevitable after talks over extending a contract, which expired in the summer, broke down.

Robson still had 18 months to run on his existing deal and appeared to be a key component of Mowbray's squad.

"Barry had done very, very well for us over the last month," the Celtic boss said.

"He's a wonderful personality, he's great to work with on the training ground.

"Contractually, I think the deal that Barry got at Middlesbrough suits Barry Robson.

"The club are happy with the deal they got also.

"If there's a frustration amongst the fans then, ultimately, myself as a manager will be judged on the team as we move on.

"Players do leave football clubs; new players come in and the team will progress.

"I've stated from day one that I'll try to build a team, try to mould a team over a period of time."

Mowbray suggested that not only were Celtic unable to compete with Barclays Premier League wages but they were now struggling to match those offered by the bigger Coca-Cola Championship teams.

He said: "Middlesbrough are not a Premier League side now but a team with parachute payments of millions of pounds."

The Celtic boss insisted he wants to unearth "new heroes" for fans to idolise and is determined to draft in players with a "winning mentality".

"Other players have to step up to the mark and new signings that we bring in have to have the right personality and character," said Mowbray, who believes he has found one such character in new defender Jos Hooiveld, pointing out the Dutchman had won titles in both Finland and Sweden.

Celtic's search for fresh blood has been a global one and Mowbray revealed he was close to making further additions this month.

"We're pretty well down the line with a few things," he said ahead of tomorrow's game with Falkirk.

He added: "The life of a football manager throughout January is an interesting one, of very long hours and lots of conversations.

"You think you're very close to doing a deal and then you're not.

"Every club you talk to wants £10million for every player you ask about."

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Mowbray's next signing could be 19-year-old Norwegian defender Thomas Rogne, who has been on trial with the club.

Rogne is out of contract with Tippeligaen side Stabaek, but under FIFA regulations they will be due compensation for developing the player.