Deila wants Ciftci to follow Allan’s example

Ronny Deila has hailed Scott Allan’s example that he has set and has called for Nadir Ciftci to do his talking with his feet.

Ciftci has had to work for his chances at Celtic since signing from Dundee United and has just two goals in 17 games – six of which he started in.

His goals against Dundee and Motherwell haven’t helped spark his form of last season – when he scored 16 goals and recorded nine assists, which although isn’t outstanding – it is better than his current form.

Ciftci’s six-match domestic ban did little to help matters for the 23-year-old, compounded by Leigh Griffiths’ terrific form this season. Nor did his training ground incident that resulted in Emilio Izaguirre needing stitches in his ear.

Deila trusts his striker to turn it around and when he initially signed showed enough support for him to hand him the number seven jersey – an iconic number on the back of a Hoops jersey.

As quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, Deila said:

Nadir’s situation is this; it is how it is at big clubs. There is always going to be competition. We know he has the talent.

You have to show every day in training and in every match whether you start or get on that you are ready – like Scott Allan did at the weekend.

Nadir has to speak with his feet and the same can be said about every player.