Celtic boss Ronny Deila edges closer to the title with win over Partick Thistle

RONNY DEILA last night edged closer towards tasting title champagne – and thanked Stefan Johansen for helping put the bubbly on ice.

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Ronny Deila's delight at win over Partick thistle

Celtic cruised to a 2-0 home win against 10-man Jags to stay seven points clear of Aberdeen with a game in hand and just eight games of the season remaining.

Kris Commons’ penalty after James Craigen’s red card set Celtic on their way and Johansen nabbed a second after the break.

Norwegian Johansen is one of a cluster of Celtic stars in the running for player of the year and showed why last night with an all-action show.

On the open market he would command a decent fee, but Deila is in no mood to sell. He said: “I don’t want to think about Stefan in terms of money – I want to think about him as a player and build the team around the likes of him Nir, Jamesie, Virgil and Jason.

“Stefan is a good player, he’s been working hard and communicates well. He did a good job and deserved to be captain. He’s had a good season but he’s stepping up every time.

“I’m satisfied with this team performance but we should have scored more goals.”

The defeat means Thistle are in danger of being dragged into the play-off scrap alongside Ross County and Motherwell.

Saturday’s home clash with Well could be a cracker with the Jags a point clear of County and four ahead of the Steelmen.

Boss Alan Archibald said: “Those teams have been on a good run but we’re looking forward to Saturday.

“I thought we’d weathered the storm against Celtic but then we get penalised twice with a red card and penalty. I hope that’s a rule that can be changed.”

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