Ronny Deila has explained why Scott Allan was missing from the Celtic bench for the 2-0 win over Ross County.
The former Hibs midfielder appeared as a second half substitute in the 2-0 win over East Kilbride in last week’s Scottish Cup tie.
Stefan Johansen came into the starting XI today with Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic listed as substitutes leaving Allan and Ryan Christie to watch from the stand.
“It’s tough to pick the squad just now, Scott was in the 20 for the match but didn’t make the final 18,” Deila said. “There is strong competition, everyone has to work hard and it’s tough for me to pick.
“There are people who are performing well but not in the squad, that’s the reality of playing here at Celtic.”
Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring in the first half stoppage time taking his tally for the season to 30 with Dedryck Boyata putting Celtic two in front just before the hour mark.
Reflecting on the match Deila added: “It’s a good start I’m very happy to get three points, it could have been more than two nil but we controlled the game quite well.
“You don’t get points if you don’t perform, the pitch made it hard to play fantastic football. It was important to have a good defence, they didn’t start so well but we got going towards the end of the first half and deserved the points.”
The win puts Celtic three points ahead of Aberdeen who visit Inverness Caley Thistle on Monday night. Aberdeen face Partick Thistle on Friday with Celtic hosting Inverness the following day.
