While the Celtic strikers have been grabbing the headlines - TopicsExpress

While the Celtic strikers have been grabbing the headlines recently with some impressive goalscoring feats, Ronny Deila has also praised his side’s defensive qualities, with the Hoops having only conceded two goals in their last six matches. In recent weeks, the Celtic manager has welcomed the return of both Mikael Lustig and Adam Matthews to the squad, with each overcoming their injury battles to add some vital experience in the back four. And both players have played their part in Celtic’s recent run of victories. The Hoops boss also praised the recent form of Stefan Johansen, admitting that he is starting to flourish in Scottish football just as he did in Norway. He said: “Training has been going well and we’ve had some of the experienced boys back recently. There are a lot of players who give all of themselves and keep the spirits up. “Our training has to be well-planned because I want to develop a lot of options that we can use in the game. Working on our decision-making is a big thing too and I want a high tempo and a high intensity. “I’d rather train for 45 minutes at an intense level instead of one-and-a-half-hours with a low tempo. We need to have fun on the pitch too because if youre bored then you don’t learn. “Mikael Lustig is a leader. His presence is fantastic and the whole team grows when he plays. We also have Adam back and he is strong and adaptable, which means we have good options in defence. “Stefan Johansen can also play in every role in the midfield and even the wide areas. He is starting to be as vital for Celtic now as he was for Strømsgodset. I think he can still be quicker on the ball, play more forward passes but he is getting there. His confidence is growing. “We have to remember that he needed time to adapt to Scottish football because he only arrived in January which isn’t such a long time. Now I can see some of the things I saw back in Norway and I think there is much more to come.” Having been impressed with the exploits of his players in recent weeks, the manager was also keen to stress his admiration for the Celtic support. The Norwegian admitted that four months into his tenure as Celtic boss, he is still stunned by the passion of the supporters both at home and away. He said: “Getting ready for every game is about structure and looking ahead. I have some great staff who help me and it is the small details that can be difference of winning and losing. We have come far in this short time but we still have a long way to go. “The values of this club are to be respectful and humble and that is important for me too. I want to connect more with the supporters but with so many games it has been difficult “I’ve been so impressed with our supporters. They are passionate and I want them to know that I admire them all. I am so grateful for what they do for us and we are trying as hard as we can to give something back. “I also want to develop Celtic as best as possible by creating something together with the fantastic people at this club and make the fans happy. That’s my goal and my mission.”