Celtic manager Ronny Deila unconcerned by Aberdeen's results

Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists he will not be distracted by Aberdeen's result on Boxing Day, ahead of his team's clash with Hearts on Sunday.

Should the Dons beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Pittodrie on Saturday they will move two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, having played two games more than Celtic.

Deila's side lost only their third league game since the start of 2015, when they were beaten 2-1 by Motherwell last Saturday, a result that has led to some critics suggesting the Norwegian is under growing pressure.

"But he remains defiant insisting an Aberdeen victory will make no difference to his situation with the Scottish champions. 

"We have everything in our hands, we don't need to think about anybody," he told the assembled media at the club's Lennoxtown training headquarters.

"After the next game you are halfway in the season. The situation is clear. We have played one game less and if we win that we are four points ahead and that is a better situation than we were in last year.

"We will see where we are when we come to May, you get your answers, I get my answers and then we can evolve."

Deila refused to be drawn into questions over his future, prompted by anonymous social media activity, and pointed to the backing the team enjoys from those who turn up to watch Celtic on a weekly basis.

"Supporters have opinions and there are different opinions among the supporters as well," he said. "It is very important that they stand behind the team. I am sure they are doing that and I am really looking forward to Sunday to get three points.

"We will do everything we can to bounce back. I am very confident, very confident in the team. We are top of the league, we have won a lot in the past and we want to win a lot in the future.

"We can turn this into a very good season and that is what we want to do. I know that we need to step up from recently but we have done it before."

Meanwhile, Deila has confirmed attacking midfielder Ryan Christie had been recalled from Inverness.

The 20-year-old was signed from the Scottish Cup holders in September on a four-year contract before being loaned back to them, although a knee injury curtailed his time at the Caledonian Stadium.

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"Ryan has arrived at the club and that is a positive," he added. "He is still injured but will start training around the end of January.

"He is very talented but will have to fight with everyone else to get into the team. It is important to get him here, to this environment to get to know all the boys and staff and get used to the way we train and play."

Deila also revealed the club had started talks with James Forrest's agent about a new contract for the winger while defender Charlie Mulgrew, who is recovering from a thigh injury, has resumed light training.