Ronny Deila backs proposal to play Celtic match in the States

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has thrown his weight behind the idea of the Scottish champions playing a match in North America next season.

Dundee have confirmed they are in discussions with the Hoops over the possibility of the fixture, with Boston and Philadelphia proposed venues.

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas insists the idea is 'crazy' but, while the venture has many hurdles to overcome, Deila has given it his general backing..

Speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie against Ajax, he said: "I don't know the details about it, I heard about it, but it is a positive thing to my mind.

"We have a lot fans in the United States and to get over there and show ourselves and promote the Scottish game is very, very good.

"It is a special league. There has been an unbelievable history here and I think it is important to keep that memory alive and go out and see other countries. It has to, of course, suit our programme."

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths described the proposal as "exciting", saying: "If we get the chance to go there it will be a great opportunity for us.

"When you're going to America you're going to play in front of a massive crowd. We have a worldwide fan base and I think the Celtic fans over there will turn out in there numbers.

"It gives us a chance to go and show what we can do and put us on the map a little bit."