John Collins insists Celtic are progressing under Ronny Deila
Wednesday 24 September 2014 18:26, UK
John Collins insists Celtic are making progress despite the club’s sluggish start to the season under new manager Ronny Deila.
After a 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Celtic Park on Sunday, the Scottish champions currently sit five points behind leaders Dundee United with a game in hand.
Deila was criticised after electing to rest captain Scott Brown and midfielder Kris Commons for the game, before being forced to introduce the pair at half-time with his team trailing.
Despite the underwhelming early-season results, assistant manager Collins is confident the team are improving under Deila and he called on Hoops fans to be patient.
"When a new manager and new players come in it takes time for them to gel and to get to know each other,” Collins said.
"But when you are a big club, of course, you have to try to win the majority of matches and we know that.
"When you are Celtic manager or assistant manager you are always judged. That is the reality of the job. But obviously it takes time.
"A lot of new players have come in, a lot on loan and they have to adapt to Scottish football and the surroundings.
"They are working hard on the training pitch. It takes time, it is not going to be perfect right away but we see progress."
Scottish Championship leaders Hearts travel to Celtic Park on Wednesday to take on Deila’s side in the League Cup off the back on impressive 5-1 win over Cowdenbeath at the weekend.
Collins admitted he has been impressed with the Jambos’ recent form and acknowledged the pressure will be on Celtic to win at home.
"I saw Hearts at the weekend and they played very well,” Collins said.
"They are playing with a lot of confidence as you would imagine for a team at the top of the league. I would imagine the pressure is on us.
“The expectation is for the home team to win the game. I don't think it will be an open game from start to finish; maybe they will try to keep it tight early in the game.
"But it is up to us to try to control the game, create chances and put the ball into the back of the net."
Hoops striker Leigh Griffiths has cut a frustrated figure for Celtic this season after failing to earn regular playing time under Deila.
He has been heavily linked with a loan move to Hibernian but Collins is adamant the 24-year-old has a future at Celtic and tipped him to make an impact against Hearts.
"I think he enjoys playing against Hearts, doesn't he?" said Collins. "He is in the squad for Wednesday. He trained very well on Tuesday.
"He is a Celtic player. There is no problem. There is competition for places and we have four strikers fighting for the one central striker's position.
"Leigh has to work in training and prove to the manager that he deserves a jersey."
