RONNY DEILA has vowed to keep Kris Commons in his side - even if he still holds out over a new contract.

The caveat is that's only if the 31-year-old continues to contribute the way he has done in the last three victories.

But the Hoops boss has also told loan striker John Guidetti - who played no part in last night's 4-0 demolition of Motherwell after spending 90 minutes on the bench at Hamilton at the weekend - he will have to be patient as he waits his chance to return to the action.

Deila has not given up hope of securing both players for the longer term.

But he is also continuing to look for fresh talent to the bring to the club.

Deila denied, however, Nigerian defender, Juwon Oshaniwa, is on his radar, despite the 24 year-old claiming his club in Isreal, FC Ashdod, had been approached by the Scottish Premier League leaders.

Efe Ambrose's international team-mate said: "My club have told me Celtic have contacted them and said they were interested in me."

But Deila said: "There's nothing in that."

The Hoops boss does, however, remain very interested in retaining the services of Commons.

And he has complete trust in the midfielder to stay focused, despite the continuing speculation about his future.

Deila confirmed they are continuing to discuss a new contract, and added: "He has come back into the team and we have won three games. That's positive.

"Kris is a good football player and, hopefully, we can have him here for a longer period."

Guidetti is now the man on the outside looking in while discussions over his move being make permanent continue.

Deila will not put him back in just to try and persuade the Swede to sign up - Leigh Griffiths led the line again last night while Stefan Scepovoic came off the bench - and said: "It is hard competition in the team.

"We have three good strikers, and we need them all."

Without top scorer Guidetti, Celtic have scored eight goals without conceding since the turn of the year, to reclaim top spot in the table.

Deila is delighted with this burst of form, and wants it to continue on Saturday when they face Ross County - the side which held them to a goalless draw at Parkhead in the final game of last year.

He said: "This is the momentum we have been looking for.

"I feel more comfortable now going into the games because we know we are growing more and more together and understand what is expected of one another.

"That makes our performances better.

"Our lowest level is now higher than it was before, and our top level is also better."

This is helping Deila remain confident his players can keep their eye on the ball this weekend, even though the following match is the League Cup semi-final against Rangers.

He said: "I trust my players to stay focused.

"The league is the most important thing, much more important than the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.

"So we really have to keep on performing in the league because we know Aberdeen are still right behind us."

Meanwhile, Celtic's home game with Aberdeen, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, has been moved back to Sunday, March 1 with a 12noon kick-off and will be shown live on Sky Sports.