Ronny Deila proud as busy Celtic beat Inverness CT

  • Published
Celtic manager Ronny DeilaImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Deila's men secured a narrow win over Inverness

Ronny Deila was pleased that his Celtic players registered a 1-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle to make it four home victories in 10 days.

John Guidetti scored his ninth goal in seven games to seal the Premiership win, following a Europa League victory over Astra, and league and cup wins over Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle.

"I'm so proud of the boys," Deila said.

"In the first half I think we played against the best opponents so far in the league this season."

Guidetti's strike early in the second half lifted Celtic into third place and above Caley Thistle on goal difference.

They are two points behind league leaders Dundee United but have a game in hand against Partick Thistle, scheduled for Wednesday 3 December.

Pole Lukasz Zaluska replaced the injured Craig Gordon in the Celtic goal for the visit of Inverness and had to be alert on three occasions at the end of the game.

Carl Tremarco headed over from close range, Billy McKay shot weakly from inside the six-yard box and Zaluska made a vital punch clear with Tremarco and McKay ready to pounce.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila on banned winger Aleksandar Tonev

"It can ruin his career and his reputation. We believe him and we're going to fight for him."

"They were well organised," said the Celtic boss of John Hughes's Inverness.

"They have a pattern that they play all the time and they have confidence and it was hard to break them down.

"The first half was good, with good reactions and transitions. We kept the ball for long periods, we created chances and at the end it was very exciting - I didn't like that.

"They have played so many matches, it was hard. Our goalkeeper is much fitter than he has been. I was so happy for him when I saw what he was achieving today."

Meanwhile, Deila said the club will back on-loan Bulgarian winger Aleksandar Tonev after he was banned for seven games for racially abusing Aberdeen's Shay Logan.

"We will appeal because we don't feel it is right. We believe Aleks. This is word against word," the manager told BBC Radio Scotland.

"We are very disappointed [about the ban]. He is very disappointed and we are going to support him. It's a tough accusation.

"It can ruin his career and his reputation. We believe him and we're going to fight for him."