Ronny Deila was defiant in the wake of further speculation about his future as the Celtic manager.

The Norwegian watched Aberdeen close the gap to three points last night at Pittodrie, a result which led former Celtic striker Andy Walker to call for his dismissal as he commentated on the game for Sky Sports.

It followed a raft of hostility towards the Hoops boss on social media as pressure on Deila accumulated.

However, he remains adamant that he will be given further time at Celtic.

“So many times I comment on these things,” said Deila. “People have their different opinions but I’m confident I’m the man to do this.

“All big managers have problems at the start of their careers at different clubs. Just look at Alex Ferguson. You get through tough periods and then you are stronger.

“We are going to do this together. We are going to win this league, we are going to fight for the Scottish Cup and we are going to get stronger after this.

“I feel the pressure all the time. The goals are very clear - win the league. That’s what we are going to do.

“Aberdeen are good, you have to give them credit. It is not only about us being bad, they are good. But I believe we are the best team.

“You never know in football, but I feel there is good togetherness at Celtic. I feel trust, good understanding and support with the staff and players. I know everybody has the same goals here and knows where we are going.

“The players are hurting but they have to lift themselves as well. We have to do it as a group. If you try to pick out someone who is doing something wrong, then you are having bad times.

“You have to believe in the group and in the skill there. This was a tough game. We had our chances but in the end got nothing out of it.”

And Deila has insisted that there will be no panic at Celtic, despite recent adverse results.

“It is important to be calm,” he said. “Everyone can lose matches but we are still in charge. I know the players are we will fight to the bitter end to get the title to Celtic Park.

“I really believe we can do it. We have a lot of quality in the team. We look strong and we are going to be stronger.

“I accept it is a bad situation. But the situation is also that we are top of the league by three points. Sometimes, the feeling is that it is relegation.

“I’m disappointed as everyone else but I also know we still have a very good chance here. We just need to stay calm and work. In the end we will get our results.

“Aberdeen still have to come to Celtic Park, so that’s going to be an important game as well.

“We need to stay together. The players need their support. That’s the message. We are one club and everyone is working towards the same thing.”

And the Celtic manager has maintained that the result does not alter how he views Aberdeen and the challenge which emanates from Pittodrie.

“They have improved, are a good football team and are hard to beat up here,” he said. “It was you who said that is was going to be a one-way race but I never said that. However, we are three points ahead and have a better goal-difference. We will do everything we can to bring the title to Celtic Park.”