Former Rangers defender Craig Moore has warned Ange Postecoglou he will only be given time to complete his Celtic rebuild if his team show steady improvement.

And the former Australia international is certain anything less than second place in the Scottish Premiership would result in the manager's sacking.

The Hoops are currently sitting in sixth position after a difficult start to the season that has seen them face tough away games at Ibrox, Pittodrie, Tynecastle and Livingston.

But Moore is adamant that Celtic fans and the board will back their man to get it right in the long term provided the season doesn't end in disaster.

He told Go Radio Football Show: "I'm not saying he's been a slow burner but he's had slow starts at Brisbane and in Japan. He won the league both times in his second season. There's a trend and there's been a big turnaround.

"Everything you think you know about Celtic and Rangers, you have no idea until you actually live in it. It's probably been tough as there's been that many things going on that I'm not privy to. The patience is there as long as it's not a blowout. But they've got to finish second.

"Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell and Dundee United have all started well. They're in sixth position even after beating Aberdeen. I think the patience will be there but it's based on showing signs of improvement.

"Third, fourth, fifth - that won't be accepted. "