Soccer

No sympathy for Ronny Deila from ex-Celtic captain McStay

Some angry Hoops fans have demanded Deila be sacked immediately after the penalty shoot-out loss to Rangers.<br />Picture by PA
Some angry Hoops fans have demanded Deila be sacked immediately after the penalty shoot-out loss to Rangers.
Picture by PA

FORMER Celtic captain Paul McStay does not think Ronny Deila should be showered with sympathy as he heads for the Parkhead exit - because he has had the chance to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world.

According to reports in both Scotland and his homeland, there will be a parting of the ways with the Norwegian following Sunday's disappointing William Hill Scottish Cup exit to Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The Hoops hierarchy are understood to be concerned by the lack of progress under Deila during his two-year reign.

But the 40-year-old has also reportedly been left weary by the constant speculation over his future and is ready to tear up his one-year rolling contract this summer.

However, retired midfielder McStay believes Deila should not be pitied, despite having worked through a period of downsizing in Glasgow's East End.

He said: "I don't feel sorry for Ronny from the point of view that he is managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"Ronny will have been delighted to have been given that opportunity.

"He has given it his best shot and he will continue to do that I think between now and the end of the season.

"So to me, wow. I or any coach would love to have had an opportunity like that, so I think he should enjoy it and try to achieve the best he can. That means winning the league."

But McStay does reckon the former Stromsgodset boss deserves the chance to see out the season and lead Celtic to their second Ladbrokes Premiership crown under his charge.

The Parkhead side have an eight-point lead over Aberdeen with five games to go but some angry Hoops fans have demanded Deila be sacked immediately after the penalty shoot-out loss to Mark Warburton's men.

"I've never met Ronny but I've got a lot or respect for the guy," said McStay. "He comes across as a really good person.

"But right now he's still in a job so I would just leave it at that and allow him to go and hopefully win his second championship. That's where I'm at.

"[Does he go now or at the end of the season] is a decision they have got to make at the top [at Celtic]. If you come out now and do something drastic it might some detrimental effect on the team in the last few games.

"For me, the focus should just be that we've got a league to win, let's go do that."