McManus inherited the armband from Neil Lennon in July 2007 and Mowbray says the defender has all the qualities necessary to be a leader on and off the park.

However, the new Hoops boss believes there are others within the Parkhead dressing room who also have the potential to be captain and he admitted the role could even go to a new summer signing.

"I don't know Stephen's own thoughts on it," said Mowbray.

"I'll see what he thinks, how much that decision would impact on him, positively or negatively.

"I haven't seen any reason why Stephen doesn't fit all the criteria. He is a very imposing man and he seems like a gentleman.

"Captaincy is important for the standards you set. At a club like this, he has to lead by example in his manner on and off the field and Stephen seems as though he has the capabilities to deal with all those things no problem.

"But I would suggest there are one or two others within the club who might also fit that criteria and there might also be one or two signings that fit is as well."