Ronny Deila remains hopeful that a deal can be done to secure the signature of Carlton Cole.

The striker arrived from London this week for a second training stint with the club, but a calf injury has halted his involvement with the squad.

While Celtic are still looking to secure a deal for the player who is out of contract, Deila has acknowledged that the lack of games will mean that the 31-year-old is not able to step seamlessly into the first-team, assuming a deal is agreed.

The injury has stalled the move although the Norwegian is upbeat about the possibility of Cole signing on with Celtic this season.

“Carlton has been training one week and got a knock on Tuesday,” said Deila.” We have to see what injury it is and how long it is going to be. We don't think it is a big one. He will still train with us and we will see what is happening.

“But we are still talking. The last game he played was in the end of May so whatever happens it is not a short term thing, like he will be fantastic for Celtic at once.

“He needs to build up his physique and that is what we are doing.

“It’s not a major thing but we will try to get him as fit as possible and then we will see what’s going to happen. He’s a great guy and you can see in training that he has qualities we are looking for.

“Both sides are enjoying this and that he wants to come back again is a very good sign for us. He sees what kind of club this is and sees that he can do something here.”