Ronny Deila returned from Austria last night and declared himself satisfied by Celtic’s pre-season training stint.
On Monday the hoops fly out to Iceland for Deila’s competitive bow with KR Reyjkavik waiting to provide the new Norwegian manager with his first real test.
Deila has yet to venture into the transfer market- other than signing back-up keeper Craig Gordon- but is content to work with the squad that he inherited from Neil Lennon.
“I think we have prepared for the qualifiers as well as we could do,’ he said after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Dukla Prague. “We have not had that many days together, but this training camp was very important. I got to know the players and they got to know me. We will have a good team on Tuesday.
“The game against Dukla was one against a good opponent. I think the performance was one step forward from Rapid Vienna last Sunday.
“Of course, there is still a long way to go but we finished this game strongly and that was a positive for us. We have to be ready for the European matches. I’m looking forward to the game against Reykjavik.”
Despite their World Cup commitments Fraser Forster and Emilio Izaguirre are certain starters against KR.
Both played in the draw with Dukla with Deila delighted by the condition that both men are in.
“Fraser and Emilio are quality players, you can see it,” the Celtic boss added. “This was a good match for both of them. I can understand that Fraser is an attractive goalkeeper. He made saves and he played well with his feet as well today. It was good to see.
“This 90 minutes has to be enough for them ahead of Reykjavik. That’s how it is. For Emilio it won’t be a problem because he played in the World Cup. It was important that Fraser played in this game but he has been training well and I think he is ready.
“Efe (Ambrose) will join up with the squad on Sunday and we will see how he is but he will be in the squad for the game against Reykjavik.
“He also played four matches in the World Cup and that is important. I would have no hesitation about throwing him in. He is a quality player and we need all the quality we have.”
