Scepovic has scored just four goals since his summer move
The Serbian international has struggled in his first season since moving from Sporting Gijon, bagging just four goals in 21 games and hasn’t started since netting against Kilmarnock on January 5.
Deila wants to see major improvement from the 25-year-old in training if he has any ambitions of making a first-team return.
Leigh Griffiths, Kris Commons and Nir Bitton have all established themselves in the line-up after being overlooked by Deila earlier in the season – and the boss is convinced Scepovic can follow the same path to success.
He said: “We’ve big competition up front. Leigh has played well and John Guidetti has also played some good games.
“Stefan will get his chance – and he has to be ready. I have to see in training and in matches that he’s making improvement. Every player is frustrated when they don’t play but every player has been through hard times.
“It’s how you deal with hard times that shows your character. Stefan is working hard and we will see more of him. He’s improved but can improve more.”
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Delia wants more from Scepovic following his £2m move
Deila, meanwhile, has urged loan star Jason Denayer to stay at Celtic rather than see his progression stalled by warming the bench at Manchester City.
The 19-year-old, who has been included in Belgium’s squad for their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel.
Denayer will return south to Manchester City in the summer but Deila hopes to strike a deal to bring him back to Celtic Park for at least the first half of next season.
He said: “He has had a good year here and I still think he should stay here for at least half-a-year.
“Hopefully we will go through the Champions League qualification and he can be part of that.
“To take him away and have him sitting on the bench at Manchester City would not be good for his career.
“I talk with Jason a lot but it’s not just about us and him, it’s also about what Manchester City think.
Delia added: “He will go back there for pre-season but we will see what is possible after that – if we can do something.
“If he does well down there and starts playing at City, it will be tough to get him back.
“He will try to do that and you never know what could happen.
“But, if you’re in a good place and are developing all the time, it’s important to appreciate that and not go somewhere else and sit on the bench again.”
Deila also claims Celtic will be interested if Real Madrid decide to loan out Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard, 16.
He said: “If it’s true he’s going to be loaned out, we will check to see what is possible.”
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