Outgoing Celtic manager Ronny Deila has backed his assistants John Collins and John Kennedy as capable options to lead the club forward when he leaves this summer, report the Daily Record.

Ever since the announcement earlier this month that the Norwegian would be leaving his role in charge at Celtic Park, there have been a number of big managerial names linked with the post.

The likes of David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers and Roy Keane have all been mooted a potential candidates recently.

More left-field suggestions such as Leeds United's Steve Evans and the outgoing Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Lambert have also been linked with a move to Glasgow.

However, Deila has talked up the prospect of seeing his two assistants step up to the plate should the club not wish to bring in a big name replacement.

While that's a move that will more than likely prove unpopular with the Hoops faithful, the 40-year old believes the pair are more than up to the task.

'I have been lucky with my two assistants while I have been here. It has been great to work with them as I have learned a lot', announced the former Strømsgodset chief.

'John Collins has references on a level that not a lot of people in Scotland have had for many years.'

'He’s been in a club environment that’s been in the semi-finals of the Champions League and knows what the foreign countries are doing with the best clubs around.'

'John has been unbelievably important for me and has so much to offer.'

'He is different from a lot of people in Scotland. He dares to speak and say what he means.'

'It’s so important to have people like that. He knows what he’s talking about and it’s important he’s listened to.'

Collins has experience as a full-time coach, having managed Hibernian for a year between 2006 and 2007, leading them to the Scottish League Cup.

Still, it is a notion not likely to capture Celtic fans' imaginations.

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