Molde v Celtic: Deila expects Ole Gunnar Solskjaer boost

Kris Commons (left) and Celtic manager Ronny Deila get a look at the the Molde pitch

Celtic manager Ronny Deila says he expects Molde to get a lift from the reappointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as boss.

The man who won two titles as manager of Molde before leaving for Cardiff City was brought back on the eve of the Europa League meeting with Celtic.

Deila, whose Stromsgodset side denied Solskjaer a third successive title, expects his return to have an impact.

"When you get a new manager in you get more energy and belief," said Deila.

"It's always like that. It was the same at the weekend (against Motherwell under new manager Mark McGhee)."

Solskjaer told reporters on Wednesday he would allow the club's interim manager Erling Moe to continue in charge for Thursday night's match.

"They have worked together many years and they know each other well," added Deila at his pre-match news conference inside the Aker Stadium.

"Solskjaer when he came into the club, he built the club up together with a lot of the people who are here now.

"He's coming back and the same principles are here as when he left. The club is in a good condition and I don't think he'll revolutionise it or do anything very different - 90 per cent of the players played under him last time."

The match represents the first time Deila has gone up against Norwegian opposition since leaving his homeland for Glasgow last summer.

However, the romance of this return clearly means less to the Celtic manager than returning to Scotland victorious.

"No I don't do that (feel extra pressure). There's pressure every time we play with Celtic and the goal is to get through in the Europa League," he said.

Pressed on the notion, he added: "Do you want me to say that it's extra important? Yes maybe. It's going to be a very big victory if we win there because then we have five points in a very difficult group and put ourselves in a very good position."

Deila acknowledges that Molde have the right to be confident ahead of the match. Despite sitting seventh in their domestic league, the Norwegians top Europa League Group A.

"I think they have a belief that they can do it. They've got confidence through the other games they have played. A lot of the players now have a lot of international experience," said Deila.

"They are well organised, they work really hard and are very good in counter-attacks and set-plays.

"When you beat Fenerbahce, then of course you believe you can beat Celtic as well at home."