RONNY DEILA believes Celtic are the best team in Scotland despite trailing Aberdeen in the league.
The Hoops boss isn’t worried about seeing Dons starting 2015 top of the Premiership.
He also suggested their table-topping status is a false position as the Hoops still have a game in hand after the postponement of their Ne’erday clash with Partick Thistle.
It’s the first time in 22 years a team other than Celtic or Rangers have led the league at this stage – Hearts in 1992 – but Deila is confident his side are still the ones in control.
He said: “So far we have been the best team in this league.
“We have scored most and conceded fewest.
“If we win our game in hand we will be two points ahead.
“We know what we have been doing is the best in the league, but we have to keep progressing.
“It is still in our hands. If we win all our games we’ll be league winners.
“It is early though to start talking about it.
“There are 19 games left, 20 for us, so we’ll see how things are when there’s one month left.
“Then you can start talking.”
Deila admits he doesn’t relish a fight at the top although he insists the players are equipped and ready to relish a battle with the Dons and even Dundee United.
He said: “No, I don’t welcome it. I want to win the league as quick as possible!
“But if other teams are doing well then it’s going to be a fight so that’s how it is.
“Nothing is easy in football. You have to fight for it.
“Now it’s Aberdeen and Dundee United doing well, so we have to step up and win. “Our players are used to fighting for a championship. They’ve been in this
situation before.
“The last two seasons haven’t maybe been so tight, but the club and the players are used to fighting for trophies, more than others.
“They can find an extra gear if necessary.
“The mood is positive and there’s a good atmosphere.
“We’re training well and just have to get back on track to win games.”
