RONNY DEILA challenged his Celtic players to perform with the panache and swagger of Scotland.

What the Hoops boss could not have envisaged was that Ross County would display the organisation and ability of Gibraltar.

Not that this is any concern of Deila as he reflects on a 5-0 walk in the park in Dingwall, a performance and result which has removed some of the acrimony generated by their defeat to Hamilton Academical in their outing before the international break.

The comprehensive victory against the bottom-placed side in the SPFL - which had enjoyed a mini-revival under new boss Jim McIntyre and Billy Dodds as the Staggies posted their first win and draw of the campaign - was the perfect riposte to the stinging criticism from, among others, skipper Scott Brown.

The contented captain watched John Guidetti, Callum McGregor, Anthony Stokes and Jason Denayer all get on the scoresheet before half-time, then the Republic of Ireland striker add another goal of high quality after the break to complete an excellent day's work in the Highlands.

It sets them up perfectly for the Europa League match with Astra Giurgiu on Thursday, the first of four vital games to be played at Celtic Park before they travel to Romania for the second part of their double-header with the team that sits pointless at bottom of Group D.

Certainly, it is a much happier squad of players than the one which went its separate ways to fulfil their international commitments after they had been embarrassed at home by surprise league leaders, Accies.

The period of introspection has been well used, not least by Deila, who would much rather have had the opportunity to get right back into action and start to salve the pain which comes with any defeat, but especially one at home in a match in which you did more than enough to win.

"Of course it was a frustrating two weeks I had to wait to see the players give this response to the defeat by Hamilton," admitted Deila.

"But, that's football. It was about bouncing back when they did have the opportunity, and we did that against Ross County.

"The first half was excellent. I really enjoyed it. That's how we want to see our team play. There were quick reactions, and it was 10 players who were chasing the ball and wanted to have it.

"When we did get it, we switched the play with good tempo and good combinations in the wide areas."

Deila had sensed in the few days training they were afforded as the group came back together after their various travels that the determination to atone was strong.

"The boys worked really hard and were ready for the game," he revealed.

The result was all too much for Ross County, who were simply blown away by the power and pace and finishing shown by Celtic.

From the moment the hard-working Guidetti pounced on a knock down in the box to open the scoring on 11 minutes, there was only going to be one outcome, and Deila said: "The first half was good, with quality passing and good deliveries into the box.

"They just went out there and owned the game. There were a lot of good things in the match. It could have been more, but we are satisfied with 5-0."

The only downer in the entire day was the injury which forced Emilo Izaguirre to leave the field on a stretcher, his hands covering a face etched with pain and fear that more serious joint injury had been sustained by the Honduran who fractured an ankle at Pittodrie back in 2011.

With players like Mikael Lustig, Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews all making their comebacks after time on the sidelines, it was very much a case of damage limitation ahead of a heavy and important schedule of matches in the Europa League, League Cup and SPFL Premiership.

At the same time, Deila wanted to get game time into Bhoys who badly need it, and the sight of Stokes grabbing his first goals since August 16 was the bonus, not least because Guidetti is ineligible for the Europa League group stage ties.

The Norwegian will not waver from looking at the bigger picture, but he is now more accepting of the fact that the here and now must be viewed with equal importance.

They may be hailed as Glasgow's green and white. But, in terms of results, it's black and white.

Deila still believes he is entitled to speak of seeing progress, even after losing to Hamilton.

But, by the bulk of those looking in, football isn't seen through the prism he elects to use for his educated eye.

"I am used to that now," he said of the monochrome nature of football life as it pertains to Celtic. "But, as coaches, we have to see behind the result.

"Which is why I said I was very disappointed to lose to Hamilton, but pointed out that we made 12 chances against the team sitting at the top of the league right now, and that was quite good."

Deila's challenge is to remain on an even keel, whether his team is winning or not, avoiding going overboard if they get a good result, or sinking below the water mark if they happen to go down.

He has to stay constant in his belief what he is doing is correct, and, even if there are a few bumps on the road, that he is leading them in the right direction.

"We believe in what we are doing, and I can see the players do, too, because they are giving me the response I want," he insisted.

"The staff, as well. We are one group and we know what we want, and it's going to be more and more fun.

"I believe in myself, and the ideas I have, and I know it's going to work."