Ljuban Crepulja: Celtic yet to make decision on Croatian midfielder

  • Published
Ronny DeilaImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Ronny Deila will monitor Ljuban Crepulja in training before deciding whether to move for the Croatian

Celtic have yet to make a decision on whether to sign Ljuban Crepulja, according to manager Ronny Deila.

The former Croatia youth international midfielder, 22, is in Glasgow training with the Scottish champions.

"He's a player we've watched a little bit, but want to see more of. Now he's training with us and we'll see during the week what we do," Deila said.

Celtic have already bolstered their squad with the signing of Danish defender Erik Sviatchenko.

Crepulja, a defensive midfielder, has made over 70 appearances with Croatian top-flight outfit Slaven Belupo, external since July 2013.

Deila, meanwhile, has reiterated striker Anthony Stokes still has a future at the club, despite being sent out on loan to Hibernian.

Stokes has rarely featured for Celtic in recent times, and has joined the Easter Road side until the end of the season.

Image source, SNS Group Paul Devlin
Image caption,

Stokes has 114 goals in his time at Falkirk, Hibs and Celtic

Deila says he hopes Stokes can make his time at Hibs a success.

"I hope that he scores a lot of goals and does well and comes back to us with good confidence and in good shape.

"There is always a way back into the team. It is all about sacrifice, doing the changes you have to do.

"With Stokesy, everyone knows his potential and it is just about getting the things right. Now he gets a good opportunity to go and play and I am happy for him and I hope he gets back in the best shape he can be."

Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United were also interested in taking Stokes on loan, but Hibs was the preferred option for the player - a decision Deila was happy to respect.

"Anthony wanted to go there. That's very important. If he has motivation to play and if he feels he has good communication with the manager and he is going to be important in the team, then that is a good start for him. His goal as well is to come back here to be an important player for Celtic."

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.