RONNY DEILA has promised Celtic fans that Virgil van Dijk's head and heart are both committed to the Hoops' cause.

The Dutch centre-half was the subject of transfer speculation during the summer as Barclays Premier League clubs Newcastle, Southampton and Sunderland were all linked with the 23-year-old.

As an offer for Van Dijk was rejected by the Parkhead board two weeks ago, manager Deila chose to leave his prize asset of the team which drew 1-1 in Dundee on August 31.

But now Van Dijk's future, at least in the short term, will be at Paradise as a result of the transfer window closing last week.

The Celtic manager has no fears about his defender's dedication or application ahead of this weekend's SPFL Premiership game against Aberdeen at Parkhead.

He said: "I spoke to him today and he's very happy now. He's just become a dad and he's been with his national team for the first time.

"I have no concerns about his commitment. I can honestly say I'm really happy about his situation and have no concerns. I can see his body language and he is happy. Now he is focused on getting good results with Celtic and getting better.

"He was a little bit disappointed for a couple of days after the window closed. People want things and he was thinking he had the opportunity to go to the Barclays Premier League.

"But that wasn't possible and he knows now that he has a lot of challenges here as well. He is a very important player for Celtic and he has to take it as a positive. The way I saw him in training today, he has taken it fantastically well."

Deila is also hoping the Celtic fans will give Van Dijk - a substitute for his country's 2-1 loss in the Czech Republic in midweek - a warm reception at Parkhead tomorrow if he features against Aberdeen.

He added: "I hope the supporters accept that as well. I understand they were not happy he didn't play at Dundee, but that was also my decision. Virgil was not 100% in his head. But now he is.

"He's said to me that he's so grateful to be at this club. Without the chance to play for Celtic, he wouldn't be where he is today. So he is also grateful for that."