RONNY DEILA hopes Kris Commons' contract talks will be resolved by January.

The Celtic midfielder's current deal at Parkhead is up at the end of the season and he is free to talk to potential suitors at the start of the new year.

Having scored 32 goals while winning both Scottish player of the year awards last campaign, Deila is keen to tie down one of the most important members of his squad.

He had previously spoken about how a potential coaching role could be included to entice the 31-year-old forward to hang around at Parkhead.

Talks have been ongoing for some time now with Deila insisting Commons does want to stay with the SPFL Premiership champions.

And when asked if he is looking for a January resolution, he said: "Of course, we want it sorted. Everyone wants that.

"It's up to the club and Kris to get an agreement.

"Again we need to assess all the time what is going on.

"Older players are easier to deal with than 19-year-old players.

"We have more control over the situation when players are older and also you assess more things as they get older.

"He's important in the group and in the team.

"Yes, of course that's the case [he wants to stay].

"There's nothing new there. The only new thing is his injury."

While it's unlikely Commons will return to the Celtic line-up today to face Inverness, another member of the Hoops squad who will also remain out is Derk Boerrigter.

The Dutchman has undergone surgery for jumper's knee - inflammation of the patellar tendon - and will not be back until the new year.

Deila said: "He has jumper's knee and has had this for a while. He's had an operation in Sweden and will be out for two months.

"We won't see him before January."