RONNY DEILA is refusing to write off Celtic’s £2.2million misfit marksman Stefan Scepovic.
The Serbian striker has slipped off the radar after scoring only four goals in 20 appearances since his summer move from Spanish outfit Sporting Gijon.
Scepovic’s last start for the SPFL champions was against Kilmarnock on 5th January where, ironically, he scored in the 2-0 triumph. .
But Deila dropped him from his travelling squad for Milan last week and the 25-year-old was left to play for the Development squad in a game against Inverness Caley Thistle at Lennoxtown.
However, the Norwegian still has belief in struggling frontman who has played eight times for his country.
He said: “There is tough competition for places, but he knows the things I think he should work on to get better.
“He has to show me in training matches that he has improved on these things.
“Then I will know how good a player he can be.”Scepovic, who cost more than the combined £2million fee paid to Dundee United for Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong in January, has dropped down the pecking order behind Leigh Griffiths and John Guidetti.
Deila, however, insisted the much-travelled forward – who has played for ELEVEN different clubs – still has a chance to impress him.
He said: “If you go through the season, people who work hard in training get their reward.
“For Stefan, as well. He has to really work hard now and do the right things to get in again.”
Deila switched his attention to tomorrow night’s home rearranged league game against St. Johnstone as the Hoops look to go nine points clear of Aberdeen, vanquished 4-0 at Parkhead at the weekend.
He added: “They are tough to beat and they have very good energy in their team.
“They also have experience. We have to cope with that and play a good game to win.
“We have good momentum just now and are in good shape with a lot of confidence.
“So, it is going to be hard for them to beat us.”
