Andy Walker: Ronny Deila fell short with Celtic

Former Celtic striker Andy Walker believes Ronny Deila lacked a game plan after Celtic failed to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

The Hoops lost their play-off tie against Malmo 4-3 aggregate after going down 2-0 in the second leg in Sweden on Tuesday evening.

"It's a huge blow for Celtic and Scottish football because Glasgow is a great place for the likes of Messi and Ronaldo to come to town," Walker told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Scottish football needs some much-needed credibility and Champions League group stages provide that.

"Over the two legs Celtic were the better team and the biggest difference in my view was the performance of the managers. Age Hareide was able to put together a different team to last season's group stages. 

"There's too much talk of progress at Celtic under Ronny Deila. Any manager in Scottish football and the Premiership could come up with the results Deila has over the last 14 months.

"With that budget, the players they have and all the facilities, everyone in the Premiership could deliver the title and odd cup. Deila has fallen short here.

"They should absolutely be doing better and it's very strange to look at the game over two legs and Celtic losing three goals from set-pieces.

"To see Craig Gordon last night at fault for both goals is completely out of character. I know he came up with a couple of good saves but Celtic players didn't perform on the night and Malmo are an ordinary 4-4-2 side."

Any manager in Scottish football and the Premiership could come up with the results Ronny Deila has over the last 14 months.

Walker, who appeared 150 times for Celtic in 1987-1991 and 1994-1996, believes his former side need a game plan.

"They need to come up with a game plan that will get them through difficult tasks," he said. "Neil Lennon was criticised by Deila for not having a fit team and allowing them to eat chips all the time, but his team managed to get through to the Champions League.

"Above all else, Deila needs a notable victory. I think they'll win the title again this season; they are by far the best side in Scotland. But he's a bit too rigid and clearly there's a learning curve for him and the players because it's a huge disappointment here."

After Tuesday's game, defender Virgil van Dijk hinted he will listen to offers from other clubs and Walker believes he will be exiting Celtic Park soon.

"Win or lose Virgil van Dijk was always going to leave Celtic," he said. "They are a club that are willing to do business when you get to the 8, 9, 10 million pound mark and Van Dijk has been terrific for Celtic.

"The club have given him the platform he wanted to go and play in the Premier League. He's got two years left in his contract, so if they don't sell him in this window and it was to go another year, his value would decrease an enormous amount.

"Celtic are keen to do business here and I'd be amazed if he's still a Celtic player come next month."

On Hibernian signing Rangers' player of the year Darren McGregor, Walker added: "It's a good move for Hibs, they've got a decent defender and one who played pretty well for Rangers last season.

"Clearly Mark Warburton didn't fancy him and has other ideas, but it's a great move for the player being a Hibs supporter. Alan Stubbs is putting together a pretty strong squad."