RONNY DEILA has told his Celtic players to see only silverware through the red mist on Saturday when Dundee United come calling yet again.

 

The Hoops saw off United last night with an emphatic 4-0 win over the Tannadice side that puts the Hoops into a William Scottish Cup semi-final meeting with Inverness - and maintains the Parkhead side's aspirations of securing only the fourth domestic Treble in their history.

However, the game was marred by the late dismissals of Anthony Stokes and Ryan McGowan - the SIXTH red card brandished in the three games which have been played between the two teams in the last 10 days.

There is a clear bit of needle between the sides, but Deila has urged his players to keep their focus on the rewards this season can reap.

"This is not a usual situation of playing one team in succession for four games," said Deila. "You have to get through it. So far it has gone well, but we want to see it through now and that means winning on Saturday. Then we can be happy.

"We have to be switched on and keep our discipline. The league is the most important thing for us. We must win the league and, if we do that, then we get another chance to get to the Champions League and that is the ultimate - that is what we all want to achieve.

"To do that we need to win the title and the players know how important it is that we are ready to go again. They have worked hard this week and we are pleased, but there is still more work for us to do.

"Aberdeen are only three points behind us. It is not a lot. We have to push to be consistent always. I was pleased with the tempo we played against Dundee United, but it is important now to maintain that."

Meanwhile, Deila has also insisted Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong - who are expected to be recalled to the side for the weekend game against United - should not be despondent about being overlooked by Gordon Strachan for Scotland duty.

"It is not just about playing well for one month or two months, you have to perform well over time if you want to be seen as an international player," he said. "I think they have shown so far that they are capable of it, but they have to also show that they can keep doing it.

"If they keep playing the way they have and the way they can, then they will be in there soon - I am sure of that. But they know that themselves. They are happy with how they are playing and, if they keep doing that, then they make it hard for them to be ignored. But you have to be consistent.

"They are interesting players and their chance will come. I can see why James [Forrest] is in there. On his good day, and he had one of those yesterday, we know what he can do and, internationally, what he can do, with his switch of direction and pace. I can see exactly why Gordon Strachan likes him and wants to see him doing that for Scotland."

And Deila has also credited Craig Gordon, who could be in line for his first Scotland start in four years this month.

"I am so pleased for Craig," said Deila. "He has been a scoop for us, no question about it. I am delighted he is here and performing at the level he is. We have been good for him and him for us. We want to keep him here at the club for a long time."