RONNY DEILA has told the SPFL that the rights of fans have to come before the demands of TV companies.

The Celtic boss hit out days after the furore over the SPFL's scheduling of the final-day fixtures in the Championship.

But his thoughts were focused on the inconvenience facing thousands of fans for tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle at Hampden.

The 12.15pm kick-off has been dictated by Sky Sports, but it has created a major headache for supporters of both clubs who may be travelling from Ireland or from the Highlands to take in the match.

Similarly, Celtic's post-split fixtures sees them playing twice on Friday nights for the benefit of a TV audience, with the remainder of the games all played on a Sunday.

"I think TV is an issue that I don't like in terms of the kick-off times," said Deila. "It should not be TV that controls football - it should be the opposite.

"It should be about the supporters and the clubs so that they can make money by getting people into the stands because that is what we live for.

"I understand the economics of it are so important and then television takes over and take control. It's not the best for people who like football.

"If Saturday at 3 o'clock is the best for Scotland then we should play more at that time. I would also rather play at 6pm in the evening than 12 in the morning.

"I think football should be played at night because then you get a better atmosphere in the arena.

"It's a big problem for us. We need supporters to come to the games. We need interest, and television needs it as well.

"If there are no people in the stadiums then it will be boring to watch.

"I don't like it that television is telling us when we are playing. We want to set the time ourselves.

"We have to play most of our games at 12 o'clock and that's not the best for our supporters."

Meanwhile, Deila met up with former Hoops boss Neil Lennon this week when the two managers took in Celtic's

Development Squad game against Manchester City at the City Academy.

It is the first time the two managers have spoken and Deila could appreciate another manager understanding the unique pressures of his role at Celtic.

And he revealed that Lennon - who was part of the playing squad the last time Celtic won a Treble - is cheering on his former side in their quest for a clean sweep this term.

"We were talking about our situations, Bolton and Celtic," said Deila. "Of course he knows my role and how this club is, so it was good. It was a nice conversation.

"We only talked for five minutes, but he knows what Celtic is all about. He said a lot of things that I can recognise and understand. Hopefully we will meet again and have a longer chat."

Asked if Lennon had wished him success in his Treble quest this season, Deila said: "Yes. He is a Celtic fan so he wants the best for us."

Inverness will look to put a spanner in the works tomorrow afternoon at Hampden.

Anthony Stokes is suspended for the game and Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven are both cup-tied, but there are no fresh injury problems for Deila to contend with.

"The pressure is massive because of the expectations that we have on ourselves," said Deila.

"We want to win the Treble and this game has to be won. It will be a bad day for us if we don't do it. But I am confident that we are up for the game.

"I can see in the eyes of the players that they are looking forward to the game."