Hoops striker Nadir Ciftci has told Ronny Deila that he is ready if called upon tonight - but has admitted that he expects Leigh Griffiths to be given the starting jersey.

The Parkhead side take on Molde in Group A of the Europa League, with the hosts expected to be re-vitalised by the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ciftci started and scored on Saturday afternoon at Fir Park but he has admitted that he anticipates playing second fiddle to Griffiths tonight.

However, the Turkish striker has insisted that even if he is has to be content with a place on the bench that he is prepared to be as supportive as he can as the Hoops go for glory.

“I want to play, everyone does, but whether I start the game or whether I come on I am ready to give everything to help us try and win this game,” said Ciftci. “It was good to get a goal at the weekend but things do not change so quickly. But I am giving everything I can for the team and for the manager and for the club.

“I came here because I want to play in big nights like this. But I understand why I might have to start on the bench. Leigh has been very good this season and last season. He has shown that he can score lots of goals and I have to do my best to support everyone as best as I can, even if that is from the bench.

“It might be the kind of game where I can help if I come on. I would love to start but I don’t know how the manager has decided that he wants to play.

“I have a part to play and it is important that I just try to help whenever I can.”

And the 23-year-old has insisted that he is ready to kick on after a slow start to his Hoops career.

His goal against Motherwell was only his second for the Parkhead side but he has maintained that there is much more still to come from him.

“I am working all the time,” he said. “Everyone has been very good with me – the manager, the boys in the team, all the coaches. They are helping me all the time.

“Europe is a different level but that is why I came to Celtic. I want to represent Celtic at that level. I want to get better.

“I knew when I signed here that I would have to be patient. I am waiting always for my chance and hope that I can do enough in games to show that I have what it takes to play here and score goals for Celtic.”