RONNY DEILA today insisted he and his Celtic players did not indulge in a lap of honour at the end his his side's 4-0 demolition of Aberdeen yesterday.

The Hoops boss revealed they went round the playing pitch simply to say thanks to the fans for the magnificent support they received throughout a vital 90 minutes

Deila refuses to join with those who claim that, with the champions now six points clear and with a game in hand, the title race is effectively over.

He will not allow any of his Bhoys to take their foot off the gas, and is demanding they extend that advantage to nine points when they play St Johnstone on Wednesday.

He said: "At the end of the match, we were not celebrating the title race being over. We were saying thank you to the fans - and I think we should do that every time when people come to the stadium to support us.

"I don't know what other people are used to. But I don't go round the pitch and celebrate with the fans because I think we have won the league. I do it because we have won a game, and because I am proud of how they acted yesterday.

"The fans were the best they have been so far this season in the league. And it is important you appreciate each other after good performances like that one."

Deila does concede, however, that it was vital not to lose to Aberdeen, who have now had their winning run brought to a halt.

"It's not over," he said of the title race. "But it was an important win. That's not only because we got three points against our nearest challengers. But, mentally, we showed we are the best team."

Physically, the Hoops also showed that, despite having to juggle a Treble-chasing schedule along with 14 European games this season, they are showing no signs of waning.

Injuries are stretching the squad, however, with Emilio Izaguirre missing yesterday's showdown after returning from Italy in midweek with a fracture.

Deila explained: "He has broken a finger. I don't think he will be ready to return on Wednesday when we play St Johnstone."

Izzy now joins Charlie Mulgrew and Mikael Lustig on the recovery trail, but better news is that Leigh Griffiths, Stuart Armstrong and Kris Commons - who all limped away from yesterday's tough encounter - are not considered long-term casualties.

Griffiths is still feeling the ankle injury he sustained when Nir Bitton accidentally stood on it in training before the Europa League tie against Inter Milan.

And Deila reported Commons felt something in the top of his hamstring, which caused him to come off after just 10 minutes of the game against Aberdeen as a precaution.

Armstrong took his place, but he, too, had to be replaced late on after suffering a glute muscle pull when shooting for goal.