Deila will be ‘tough but fair’

Former Celtic midfielder Vidar Riseth has warned the current Parkhead squad they had better do as Ronny Deila says if he is named their new boss — or they will find themselves looking for a new club.

Ex-Norway international Riseth spent six months at Deila’s Stromsgodset outfit towards the end of his playing career and knows just how the Hoops’ new No 1 target operates.

Riseth was a veteran approaching his 40s while Deila was a fresh-faced 33-year-old just a year into his first coaching post.

But Riseth, who spent two years with the Glasgow giants and landed a League Cup winners’ medal in 2000, was impressed with his dedication to attacking football.

However, he has cautioned the Parkhead players that the now 38-year-old Deila will not tolerate anyone who does not accept his tough methods.

“He’s tough but fair and always has a good relationship with the players. If they are not playing, he will tell them why. But if they don’t work the way he wants them to, he will sell them. It’s as simple as that.”

Delia led Norwegian minnows Stromsgodset to their first league title in 42 years last season and has now replaced ex-West Brom boss Steve Clarke as the man Celtic want to replace Neil Lennon.

Celtic have seen attempts to land a box-office appointment rebuffed after talks with former Parkhead icon Henrik Larsson and Republic of Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane collapsed.

But Riseth is convinced Deila would do a better job, saying: “I know a lot about Roy Keane as a player but he hasn’t done so much as a coach.

“As for Henrik, he is a good coach and has done well in Sweden but from all the coaches working in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Ronny is at the top.”

Riseth added: “I’ve been over to see Celtic a lot over the last couple of years and they did well. But I think the fans will see a big difference in just how offensive the team will be if Ronny gets the job.”