Ronny Deila has praised Tony Watt after his brief substitute appearance against Dukla Prague.
Watt endured a roller-coaster loan spell at Lierse last season- enjoying the high’s of scoring in against Anderlecht and a double against local rivals Mechelen but also finding his performances constantly criticised by coach Stanley Menzo.
Those comments have given the gossips plenty to discuss with Scotland u-21 coach Billy Stark even taking the bizarre decision to choose ‘strikers’ from Hearts and Hibs ahead of Watt.
His non-appearance- due to a groin strain- in Celtic’s first three tour matches added to the intrigue but after a 12 minute stint against Dukla Deila seems happy with the fitness and attitude of the former Airdrie striker.
“I think Anthony has played well,” the Celtic boss said. “We took the decision to rest Leigh and Teemu against Dukla Prague because they had some time against Linz but I think all the strikers are looking sharp.
“I felt Tony was a good sub too. He came on and looked busy and he has been training hard and is much fitter than he has been but there is still more to come from him. It’s all positive for now.”
After a day off yesterday Deila will get his squad together again at Lennoxtown before deciding who will be on tomorrow’s plane to Reykjavik.
The early start to the season will delay Deila’s plans to impose his own philosophy on the squad with the Norwegian well aware that reaching the group stages of the Champions League is his first priority.
“We need to take things step by step,” he confirmed.admitted the Norwegian. “I don’t think we have changed so much yet. On the pitch it’s quite similar. In time we want to raise the tempo of the team but of course the players have to feel safe in what they are doing. I think we have a good plan for that.
“This is going to be the first important game and I think after the two weeks in Austria we have prepared as well as possible.
“A lot of the players here have been through this before so we have enough knowledge to go through at this stage. They are used to winning football games and that is the most important part. If we produce a good performance we have a good chance to win.
“I have seen enough of Reykjavik. They are a team who works hard, are well organised but of course if we are on top of it then we will have an intensity that they will struggle with. Again, it’s up to us.”