The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
No treble would be tough one for Deila
RONNY DEILA admits he will be disappointed if his Celtic side do not win a historic treble this season.
Vi ct o r y ove r St Johnstone at Parkhead tonight will take the Hoops nine points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of a William Hill Scottish Cup quarterfinal and Scottish League Cup final against Dundee United later this month.
The Norwegian targeted the treble, a feat achieved only by Martin O’Neill (2001) and Jock Stein (1967, 1969), when he took over from Neil Lennon last summer.
With his side now playing at the top of their game following a tricky start to his tenure — they passed up two chances to get out of the Champions League qualifiers — the Celtic manager has moved from hope to expectation.
“I think we are the best team,” he said.
“If we don’t get to our full potential then I will be disappointed but the cup is the cup.
“You can get a red card, or be very unlucky but if the performance is bad and we lose because we are not good enough then I will be a little bit disappointed because I believe we can do it.”
Kris Commons is out of tonight’s clash at Parkhead with a thigh injury.
Striker John Guidetti has a knee complaint and will be assessed.
Left-back Emilio Izaguirre remains out with a hand injury along with long-term injured Mikael Lustig (ankle) and Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring tendon).