Deila named Manager of the Month

Celtic boss Ronny Deila has been named Ladbrokes Premiership Manager of the Month for October.

Deila guided the Parkhead club to wins over Hamilton Accies, Motherwell, Dundee United and Aberdeen to establish a six-point lead over Hearts at the top of the table.

He told Ladbrokes News: "Every game is important but beating Aberdeen at home was even more so as it gives us an advantage in the league.

“Nobody can take these points away from us now. We want to keep winning and keep developing but it makes it even better if we can develop with a gap at the top of the table.”

One player who has been singled out for praise is in-form striker Leigh Griffiths and Deila believes he will be an important part of Celtic’s aspirations this season and in the future.

He added: “Leigh has developed a lot over the last 18 months. In the beginning he wasn’t playing regularly but he has worked hard and is better now on and off the pitch.

“He was important at the end of last season but he is even more so now and that’s a credit to him. To have a player that scores in almost every game is what every team wants - he will be a big player for us this season and hopefully for many years to come.”