A GRIM-FACED Ronny Deila was far from satisfied after watching Celtic being held to a 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
A penalty-kick near the end gave the Ayshire side a point from a game where they were on the ropes for a huge percentage of the action.
Straight-talking Deila said: “I thought we were sloppy tonight. It was the same in the game against Partick Thistle at the weekend, but we were not punished.
“This time it was different and you must give Kilmarnock the credit for punishing us.
“Of course, it’s disappointing and we must bounce back in the game against Inverness Caley Thistle at the weekend.”
The Hoops boss was asked about the injury situation concerning Kris Commons, James Forrest and Nir Bitton who were substituted during the game.He replied: “There are no problems. I just thought about making some changes, so there was nothing else.”
Commons, though, had an ice pack put on his left groin immediately he came off, possibly aggravating the previous injury on the plastic surface at Rugby Park.
The Norwegian also left out central defender Dedryck Boyata as a precaution and brought Efe Ambrose in to partner Virgil van Dijk in the middle of the defence.
Deila explained: “Dedryck hasn’t had a lot of games with Manchester City, so we didn’t want to risk him. We have so many important matches coming up.”
Skipper Scott Brown and midfielder Stuart Armstrong also missed out, but they are expected to be in place on Saturday against John Hughes’ Highlanders at Parkhead.
Deila was asked about newspaper reports indicating classy Dutchman Virgil van Dijk was heading for Southampton.
He answered: “It’s the same as I have been saying all along and that is that we do not need to sell him.
“I have also always insisted he is an important player for us.”
Malmo Head Coach Age Hariede watched from the Rugby Park stand and said: “It was quite an entertaining game. The second-half, especially, was open.“Both teams attacked and that made it enjoyable. I know Celtic are a good team and that is why I wanted to see them live.
“I have seen tapes of their games against Qarabag, but this gives you better options of how to play.
“I admit I didn’t want Celtic in the draw, but, on the other hand, they are a team we know all about.”
Hariede jotted down notes throughout the encounter and must have been amazed at how his Champions League play-off rivals managed to throw away two points.
Ronny Deila had similar thoughts.
