Ronny Deila says Anthony Stokes may have Celtic future despite ban

Ronny Deila insists Anthony Stokes can still have a future at Celtic despite being suspended following an outburst on social media.

The striker was banned for two weeks by the club after he hit out having been left out of the squad for last weekend's 3-1 win at Inverness.

Stokes had travelled to the Highlands as part of a 20-man pool for the Scottish Premiership game but was then left in the stand as one of two unused players.

He took to Twitter to say: 'Who gives a **** about wages when your [sic] not playing games! It's all about playing and contributing not picking up a wage.'

The Republic of Ireland international later posted an apology and asked fans to understand his comments were borne out of frustration and made in the heat of the moment.

Parkhead manager Deila said on Friday Stokes had been suspended for other issues as well as his comments online.

But he maintained the 27-year-old will be considered for selection if he is willing to address the things the Norwegian boss has a problem with.

Stokes has only played twice for Celtic this season, last scored for them a year ago and is out of contract in the summer.

Deila said: "I think everybody understands it is not about that single coincidence. It's been some issues in the past and now we felt we had to put down a marker.

"I think that's going to be good in the end for us and for Anthony as well. After 14 days he will come back and hopefully we can keep him working.

"I won't go into the different issues. That is between me and him and the club, of course. He has a future here. There are things that need to improve and that's with all the players as well.

"If people are improving, they have a future because he can play football. If he makes the improvement that we want, everything is possible."