RONNY DEILA has insisted that Charlie Mulgrew still has a future at the club – if the player can prove he can stay fit.

The versatile Hoops player is out of contract at the end of the season with Blackburn Rovers and Bournemouth both credited with an interest in the player’s situation.

Contract talks took place with Mulgrew earlier in the season but were then shelved when the 29-year-old was injured.

Mulgrew made his return to action in last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over East Kilbride but Deila has challenged the player now to stay fit.

“I hope he stays injury-free for a period because he hasn’t played football for me in a long time,” said Deila. “During my one-and-a-half years here, he’s had very few games.

“We need consistency of play, but we know Charlie is a very good footballer. He is a character and a person I really like.

“But without having him on the pitch, it’s difficult. Hopefully, he plays games, gets fit and stays injury-free and at Celtic. Charlie has experience and he’s a leader-type.

“A contract offer could happen, of course.

“Charlie is an important player and he is a professional and a leader who brings a lot of positive energy to the dressing room.

“But, again, without having him on the pitch, it’s more difficult.

“We want him to stay for a longer while without any setbacks.”

Meanwhile, Deila has insisted that Celtic will be out to atone for their League Cup defeat to Ross County when the teams meet tomorrow afternoon on league duty.

And the Norwegian remains adamant that his players are ready to accept responsibility as they head into the game.

"We have something to prove,” said the Celtic manager.

“We have something to bounce back from and we have to take with us the first 12 minutes when we were good before the red card.

“If we do that for 90 minutes, we can cause them problems.

“Of course, we want to show we are a better side than we did in the last 78 minutes at Hampden. The biggest problem you have as a leader is if you think it’s only you who cares.

“It’s an easy thought to have when you are having problems and they are not playing as you want.

“You wonder where is their hunger, but I can assure you that’s not the case here.

“Every player feels the same way as I do and we want to bounce back on Saturday.”

“You can see there is competition in the team and intensity in training,” said Deila. “The focus is there.

“There is also a good atmosphere. And that’s a positive thing. Without having some fun, everything is grey, dark and difficult and it is hard to see light. We are believing in what we are doing and looking forward.”

Kris Commons is fit and available with the only injuries Saidy Janko and Jozo Simunovic.