Johansen gives Deila snipers both barrels . . .
CELTIC midfielder Stefan Johansen believes Ronny Deila has successfully won over his critics this season.
The SPFA Player of the Year said he had no concerns that his fellow countryman would be successful in Glasgow, despite a ropey start to his tenure at Celtic.
“I always knew he would come good with us,” said Johansen. “It was always going to take a little bit of time at first.
“There were some things that were a bit exaggerated outside the club. We knew that a new manager would want to do new things. But it can be hard at first to get used to that. I was
so pleased for him when we got to Christmas time and you could see that we were getting better all the time.
“I didn’t need to tell any of the players to trust him or anything like that. People can make up their own minds. But now everyone in the team can see that we are a very good side now.
“We have won the league and one of the cups and we feel that we have proved some things this season.
“Now it is all about taking it to another level and getting ready for Europe.
Meanwhile, the father of Dedryck Boyata has claimed that a deal has been done to take the defender away from Manchester City.
The defender met with Deila, Peter Lawwell and John Collins earlier this month in Manchester and his father, Bienvenu, has revealed that he expects a deal to be announced later this week.
“It is clear that he will not stay at Manchester City,” he said. “He does not want to stay. City wants to extend his contract but as he will not play, he will not develop.
“A club has shown interest and has reached agreement with Manchester City. It will perhaps be made official next week. What club? It remains in the UK.”
Boyata could be joined by Danny Wilson who has formally left Hearts. The defender still had a year to run on his contract at Tynecastle but has activated a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club.
The 23-year-old has been watched by Celtic and could be drafted in to bolster defensive options.