John Collins: Celtic boss Ronny Deila is due a reward

Deila is odds-on to deliver the first clean sweep of honours for the Hoops since Martin O’Neill secured the Treble back in 2001.

But assistant Collins knows success alone does not always convince punters and critics of a manager’s worthiness of recognition.

He said: “It might be the perception out there that it’s easy to win things with Celtic.

“The objective is to win every trophy we are in. Ronny has said it from since day one.

“If he was asked the question and said ‘no’, people would say, ‘Why are you not making demands of your players?’

“If he’s asked the question and says ‘yes’, they say, ‘Why are you saying that?’. He can’t win.

“He’s done excellently, but he’ll be judged by what’s in the trophy cabinet the end of the season.

“He’s tried to play football at a high tempo, which fans enjoy. 

“As the weeks have gone by, we have seen progress and ultimately that is what you have to be judged by. Are you making the team better? Are you making the players better?

“He’s been very bold from day one and you have to respect him for that.

“It would have been easy to be a bit tentative but he’s put demands on himself and the players, which is important. 

“He has set high targets that stretch the players.

“If he had said we’ll be happy just to retain the title, I’m sure some would be saying that is not the right attitude.

“His attitude is we want to win every Scottish tournament we’re in. That’s wonderful.

“Other managers will respect him for being bold in saying these things and also for the way his team play.

“They will judge him for the way his team is playing against them.”

Celtic can take another step towards the Premiership title when they face Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Wednesday – and Collins believes Deila deserves credit for sticking with his principles.

He added: “The reality was one of slow, steady progress. Maybe it took us a couple of months to get going.

“It’s much better than when we started and that is reflected in results.”