The former Dundee United frontman was charged by the SFA after an alleged bite on the player and will discover what punishment, if any, he faces a week today. Deila has revealed that the controversy over the incident was never liable to put him off signing the player who he believes can offer the Celtic attack something extra.
“We have seen him often enough to know that he is a big, powerful player and he is a handful for any central defence. He is so difficult to play against.
“Even if he is banned for league games, he will still be available to us for European matches, so he will still be able to feature. It is not ideal, but, of course, we were aware of it and we will deal with it when it comes.“He is still a young player and he will mature. He is a good player, but we know he can get even better if he does the right things and plays the game the right way on and off the pitch at Celtic.”
And Deila believes that Ciftci’s role in setting up Gary Mackay-Steven’s goal on Friday evening was important purely in terms of being able to come in and settle quickly at the Hoops.
“That can be so important. But we have been impressed with Dedryck Boyata, too, and the way he has come in and settled into defence.
“This season there has not been huge changes to the team and things have been relatively settled. We will see what happens between now and the end of the transfer window.”
Celtic have been linked with a move for Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo, 21, who was on loan at Middlesbrough last season. He looked as though he was heading for French outfit Lille, although that deal has apparently fallen through.The Parkhead men and Granada have been credited with an interest in the Chelsea centre-half who has also had a spell in Holland with Den Haag three years ago.