RONNY Deila today hailed Celtic fans as the "best in the world" - and urged them to protect the global reputation of the Parkhead club against Inter Milan in the San Siro.

 

Deila was disappointed to discover the Hoops had been fined €10,000 by Uefa yesterday for the behaviour of their supporters against Dinamo Zagreb last year.

Some fans clashed with Croatian police after setting off flares in the Stadion Maksimir during the Europa League game back in December.

The Celtic boss took time out from his preparations for the second leg of the last 32 tie with Inter here in Italy to address the issue.

The Norwegian stressed that 99 per cent of fans was disgusted by the behaviour that has lead to the Glasgow club's third punishment by Uefa in five years

And he has urged travelling supporters here to play their part in ensuring the behaviour of a tiny minority is not allowed to tarnish the image of the former European Cup winners - by policing themselves.

Deila said: "It's hurting the reputation for Celtic. As I have said before, I believe we have the best fans in the world. But a few have done stupid things.

"It is so important that stops so we don't get further penalties or whatever and a bad reputation for the club. I get a bit sad when I hear about it.

"When we are like we were last Thursday, everyone looks up to us and says: 'That it is great. They are the best fans in the world'.So we need that more."

He added: "I think 99 per cent of the fans agree with us that it is something we don't want.

"We just have to get rid of the last per cent that ruins the reputation for everyone.

"If we have a discipline problem in our team, I have to take care of it. It's the same with the supporters.

"I think they have to take care of it from inside because it is so hard for the club to do anything about it.

"This is about values and how we want to be seen by the rest of the world.

"Last Thursday was unbelievable. That is what we want every time."

Meanwhile, Deila has confirmed that both Jason Denayer, who came off in the 4-0 win over Hamilton on Sunday, and Kris Commons, who missed the first Inter match, are fit.

And Deila is confident Celtic, who drew their first meeting with Roberto Mancini's side 3-3, can win what he labelled the biggest challenge of his managerial career so far.

He said. "It is the highest level I have been at as a manager. That is why it is an important game.

"You learn all the time in football. You can talk about being successful and playing like Barcelona but you have to go out and do it.

"You have to experience these sort of things before you know what is expected at that level.

"I am a young manager from Norway. I am learning all the time and my biggest skill is that I can learn quickly.

"The San Siro reminds me of the Santiago Bernabeu. It is going to be one helluva experience.

"But it won't be any worse than what the Inter Milan players faced at Celtic Park."