Peter Lawwell: Ronny Deila will become a Celtic great

After a topsy-turvy nine months in the job, Hoops chief executive Lawwell reckons the Norwegian, left, has the air of a man with the potential for assuming legendary status.

Lawwell said: “He is a young guy. But he is a quick learner. With a tail wind and a bit of luck he can be a great manager.

“He’s progressive, modern and he has a personality that is beginning to come out. He is a leader.

“He has all the attributes and qualities to be a great manager. All you need is a bit of luck and be in the right time and the right place. 

“As soon as the other directors met him, they knew he was the right guy.

“We knew there would be a transition period. We knew it would be a baptism of fire. 

“The Champions League was right on us, there was a risk. “But when we appointed him we assessed that risk, and felt for the long-term good of the club it was the right thing to do.

“Ronny is a creator. We can’t afford or get into the market for Champions League players so we need to have someone who creates players, and that is what he does. 

“He is a developer of players and that takes time. 

“In terms of results, I’d give him eight. In terms of coming in and acclimatising and showing progress – 10.”

Lawwell admitted Jason Denayer – on loan from Manchester City – will not be at Celtic next season, while John Guidetti has yet to decide if he wants to enter meaningful discussions about his future as Feyenoord and Marseille weigh up bids.

Craig Gordon is part of the long-term plans with a new improved contract offer in the pipeline.

Lawwell added: “I think Jason would be looking to go back. Craig has been fantastic. Ronny and I are talking about that at the moment and what the next step might be.”