Substitutes Scott Allan, Ryan Christie and Patrick Roberts put the icing on the cake as Celtic beat Inverness Caley Thistle 3-0 to go six points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Premiership table.
After an uninspiring first half where the visitors were the better side Celtic took control after the break with two goals before the hour mark from Gary Mackay-Steven and Leigh Griffiths easing the strain.
Allan, Christie and Roberts replaced Stuart Armstrong, Stefan Johansen and Mackay-Steven with Griffiths completing the scoring in injury time.
The three substitutes provided the fans with as much of a lift as the team bringing a sense of urgency and aggression to Celtic’s attacking play.
“They were very positive and had energy,” Deila said about his substitutes. “They wanted to show themselves. I’d expect that. They played with confidence and worked hard. That’s the combination I’m looking for.”
“They have skills that can open defences and they take people on so that’s positive.
“We have a hard working team and it’s good we can have players that can come on like that with flair.”
The after match debate is likely to centre around the contribution of the three substitutes, complicated by the fact that they came on after the team had gone two goals up.
On Friday Celtic travel to Hamilton Accies looking to go nine points ahead of Aberdeen with Deila having plenty of attacking options to consider.
Back-to-back clean sheets have contributed to the last two wins with Deila pleased at the way his side has responded to two pressurised Premiership fixtures.
“Every team has solid defence first of all,” the Celtic boss added. “If you’re open then there’s problems.
“I feel that it’s a long way to go. We have a good situation but if you start losing games it can be even again.
“If we keep winning, the others have to cope with that.”