Kieran Tierney could be in line for a starting place in the Celtic side to face Ross County today.
With Emilio Izaguirre suspended and Charlie Mulgrew injured the left-back slot suddenly opens up for the 18-year-old who made two top team appearances towards the end of last season.
Tierney has been with the first team squad throughout the pre-season build up with the exception of the away tie with Stjarnan when he stayed behind to play in the friendly against Raith Rovers.
Deila identified Tierney early in his Celtic reign with the teenager making the bench for the first team at Tannadice in December before breaking his ankle the next day in training.
Despite that set-back he made his competitive debut away to Dundee in March before starting the end of season draw at St Johnstone.
Surrounded by Virgil van Dijk, Dedryck Boyata and Craig Gordon today’s match shouldn’t be asking too much of Tierney who seems to be settling into the left-back role despite sometimes being used in midfield.
With Nadir Ciftci suspended and Nir Bitton nursing an ankle injury Deila will be forced into a number of changes as he prepares to open the defence of the SPFL Premiership title with an eye on the away tie with Qarabag on Wednesday.
Ross County will include five former Celts in their squad with Jackson Irvine joining Scott Fox, Marcus Fraser, Michael Gardyne and Rocco Quinn in Jim McIntyre’s first team squad.
Former Sevco right-back Dick Foster could be in line for his first top tier appearance in three seasons after moving to Dingwall in the close season.
