Celtic v Molde: Ronny Deila tells team - time to 'step up'

Deila will be without Scott Brown

Celtic manager Ronny Deila says it is time for his players to "step up" and revive their Europa League hope against Molde.

The Scottish champions are three games without a win and bottom of Group A.

"We want to step up and show everybody what we are capable of doing," said Deila, saying he is impressed with his side in training.

"We've done that the whole week and we have to get the best out of ourselves on the pitch."

Celtic lost 3-1 to Molde in Norway a fortnight ago having drawn their two previous group matches against Ajax and Fenerbache, both by 2-2 scorelines.

Deila would not consider a victory at Celtic Park as revenge but more of redemption for the loss he suffered back in his homeland.

"I don't like the word revenge," he said. "I think the performance in Molde was way below our usual level and that's what is the most disappointing thing.

"We have lost three games out of 25 this season and the players know how to react to these things.

"It's important we win tomorrow. They know what they are playing for and they know what we want.

"I think we have shown after a bad result that we can bounce back and stay together and go in the same direction."

Celtic were left disappointed by a 3-1 defeat away to Molde

The absence of captain Scott Brown through injury means Nir Bitton is likely to be partnered by Stefan Johansen in the Celtic midfield.

"Scott's an important player, but as I said before, we have a lot of good national team players all over the pitch," said Deila.

"We have Stefan and Nir centrally as well and they have done a very good job in the last few games and that's good for the club that we are not depending on only one person."

Molde top the group with seven points from their three games so far, Fenerbahce have four points in second, while Ajax and Celtic have two.

Deila does not expect Molde to spring any surprises or change their approach for a match that, should the visitors win, would secure their qualification for the last 32 knockout stage.

"I expect the same as in Norway," added Deila. "They are a very hard-working team - a team that have played together for a long, long time with a consistency in culture and a consistency in their style of play.

"They are going to try to hit us on the break, they defend very deep and are compact."