RONNY DEILA admits he has been taken aback by the size of Celtic as he prepares to return to the Parkhead dugout this afternoon.

The 38-year-old was plucked from Norwegian side Stromsgodset this summer to replace Neil Lennon but has endured a mixed start to life in Glasgow.

A shambolic Champions League campaign and poor start to their Premiership title defence has seen pressure build on the boss.

The visit of Aberdeen today gives the Hoops a chance to get back on track and Deila is confident he can handle the scrutiny.

He said: "Yeah [it is bigger than I expected]. I think so. You can't say no to that question. Of course there has been a lot of pressure.

"I think the pressure after results is different to what I'm used to.

"I've been in smaller clubs where I can build something and I know in the end I'm going to destroy them, but here you have to win and develop and that is very difficult.

"But also we have much better players here. The Champions League is a very high level so we think of the fitness we had, and the squad we had was not good enough. And then we need new ideas.

"People get unsure, so of course it has been a very hard task but now in the Europa League I think it is a very good opportunity and a good stage to get experience and we have a good chance to go through."

Deila returned to Norway during the international break to reflect on a frantic start to life at Parkhead.

The champions have just seven points from their first four top flight fixtures ahead of the visit of the Dons this afternoon.

It hasn't been the start Deila was dreaming of but he is determined to be a success at Celtic.

He said: "It's a fantastic job, but it's also a very hard job. But I will never give up.

"I know where I want to be and I am looking forward to sitting one day when you will think, 'phew, you've made it.' Every night when I go to sleep I think that.

"I know it's going to be tough in the first year, I have been through it before at smaller clubs. It's always tough.

"But I have done it three times with three different teams and I know I will get through it. The fun part will come.

"To get there we need results. We need to win as well.

"But I have a very good squad and if we don't win the league it is a disaster.

"I know what the players can do and they know it too. We have to keep working."