CELTIC boss Ronny Deila today insisted Scott Brown can play for one of the top clubs in England - but insists he has no fears of losing his captain in the final days of the January transfer window.

Deila has admitted he is bracing himself for a "week from hell" during which he will try to strengthen his Hoops squad and hope that no clubs make bids for his star players.

The Norwegian coach believes top Barclays Premier League outfits like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United would like to lure Scotland midfielder cross the border.

Brown has been linked with moves down south on several occasions in his career and Crystal Palace were preparing a £5million offer for his earlier this season.

But his manager is confident the 29-year-old, who signed a new contract in November that keeps him at Parkhead until 2018, is completely committed to the Scottish champions.

He said: "I think if Scott Brown wanted to move, he would get a lot of clubs. That wouldn't be a problem.

"But he is so clear that he wants to stay at Celtic and have his career here. He has signed a new contract.

"He has had options before - I have talked to him about that - but I think he is not sending out a message that he wants to leave. I'm very glad about that."

Deila also dismissed suggestions the former Scottish Player of the Year lacks ambition because he doesn't want to play down south or further afield in Europe.

He said: "Scott plays for Celtic and he wins games.

"He plays in the Champions League against the best teams in Europe. He is winning trophies.

"When you are happy, why should you go to another place to try to do it differently?

"I think a lot of players should go that way and think that way.

"I think he could adapt to whatever level he was going to. That's down to his attitude on the pitch and off the pitch.

"It is so vital to the team and you can always rely on him.

"He almost never makes a defensive mistake. He is like a dog in the midfield.

"He chases and if people make mistakes, he is there at once. His presence is immense.

"But he is happy here at Celtic and we are happy to have him. Every team needs a player like that.

"He is our leader and it is important that we are speaking the same language."

Deila, who is hoping his side can stay in top spot in the SPFL Premiership with a win over Ross County in Dingwall this afternoon, believes Brown's professionalism rubs off on the entire Celtic squad.

He said: "Every day in training he gives 100 per cent. He is the role model in the team.

"We have more players like that - Charlie Mulgrew, Mikael Lustig and Stefan Johansen.

"All those guys are always looking forward and if you get the whole team to go like that, the results will follow."