RONNY DEFENDS STEFAN

RONNY DEILA has defended Stefan Johansen after his second-half substitution was cheered by sections of the Celtic support in the 2-0 home win over Ross County.

The Hoops moved three points clear of Aberdeen at the top, but the Norwegian midfielder still came in for criticism.

Deila, though, admitted it was difficult to understand why his fellow-Norwegian – last season’s Player of the Year – had been singled out for some stick.

He said: “Stefan was one of the best players on the pitch. He created a lot and worked really hard.

“Stefan had a tough start to the season, but for the last month he has played very well. He’s a top quality player who gives a lot on and off the pitch to the team and I love to have him here.”

Some fans are frustrated Scott Allan hasn’t been given more chances in midfield and he didn’t even make the substitutes’ bench yesterday.

But Deila said: “It’s tough to pick the team now. Scott was in the 20-man squad, but not the 18.

“It’s competition and everybody has to work to get in the team. That’s the reality of playing here.”

When the Celtic boss was asked if the win over Ross County had piled pressure on the Dons, who now play twice this week at Inverness tomorrow night and Partick Thistle on Friday, he said: “You talk about Aberdeen all the time.

“Here at Celtic we don’t need to talk about other teams. Whatever they do, we have to win.”

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