Celtic: Much changed team could've won, says Ronny Deila

O'Connell was one of 10 changes to Celtic's starting line-up against Inverness

Celtic manager Ronny Deila defended his decision to make so many changes ahead of Saturday's defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Deila made 10 alterations following Wednesday's 1-1 draw in the Champions League play-off first leg in Maribor.

And Eoghan O'Connell's own goal gave Inverness victory over the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.

"I thought the team we put on the pitch was capable of winning and they could've won the game," said Deila.

"In the first half we had three very big chances and they had nothing. We could've been more effective in that half.

"We were too passive and didn't create anything [after Inverness scored] so that was a little bit disappointing.

"Overall, we could've got more out of the game but we have to congratulate Inverness, they were a good team and we have to learn from this.

"It's too many players at the same time, maybe. It put a lot of pressure on some young players. They worked hard but it wasn't good enough."

And when asked if changing almost an entire team ahead of Tuesday's return leg against NK Maribor in Glasgow was the wrong decision, Deila replied: "We'll see that on Tuesday.

"That's the main thing now, we have to look forward to the next game.

"But we hoped to win the game and we didn't so that was disappointing.

"You will see on Tuesday if I regret making too many changes, but of course it will be worth it if we win."

Meanwhile, Deila is confident of completing transfer business "this week".

A deal has been agreed to take Ghana winger Wakaso Mubarak, 24, on loan from Rubin Kazan, but visa issues have still to be resolved.

Mubarak played at this year's World Cup with Ghana

And Sporting Gijon forward Stefan Scepovic, also 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Celtic Park.

"We're working a lot with this and I think we're going to get things how we want them," Deila said.