Sunday 29 November 2015 17:00, UK
Ronny Deila says he is ready to reward his younger players with more game time after they extended Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points on Sunday.
The Hoops bounced back from their midweek Europa League exit to record a comfortable 3-1 win away at Inverness.
Midfielder Callum McGregor retained his place in the visitors' starting XI and opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a long-range drive - his second goal in as many games.
Miles Storey then equalised for the hosts before Leigh Griffiths netted his 19th of the season to put Deila's side back in front.
Carlton Cole, making his first appearance for Celtic since signing in October, helped seal the points for the visitors by pressuring Danny Devine into a bundled own goal five minutes from time.
The only sour point for Deila will be an outburst made on social media by out-of-favour striker Anthony Stokes, who was not included in Celtic's matchday squad.
Deila made it clear after the match that he would be rewarding his players if they showed loyalty and patience in regards to his selection policy.
"What I am so happy about is when you have a good attitude in training, you work hard, you are loyal, very humble and want to learn, like Callum McGregor and Scott Allan," said Deila.
"You see they get payback and that is so nice to see as a coach, the same with Kieran Tierney.
"Scott was a big player at Hibs, he knew it was a big step to come to Celtic, he knew he had to be patient and work hard and he has never said 'I need to play' to me, he keeps on working and he gets his chance in the end.
"Those three are unbelievable examples of players who have been out and worked their way back into things and show on the pitch that 'I want to play'.
"I am very pleased with the boys after what happened on Thursday."
Deila also urged fans to give new signing Cole enough time to properly settle in at Celtic Park.
"Carlton needs time, he hasn't played since May. There is a lot more to come from him," said the 40 year-old Norwegian.
Deila's opposite number at Inverness, John Hughes, was pleased with the performance of his team, despite the defeat.
"I felt for 60 minutes we were every bit as good as them," he said.
"The second goal was a cheap goal to give away, the third goal might have been a handball from Cole but that is neither here nor there. We are nearly there but yet so far away. But I think everyone can see where are a good football side."
