Ronny Deila expects a fully fit Jozo Simunovic to report back for training after the forthcoming round of international games - and the Hoops boss has backed the Croat to bring out the best in Dedryck Boyata.

Simunovic has gone off on international duty but on the premise that he reports to Lennoxtown should there be any concerns about his ankle.

The player, a £5m sighing by the club at the end of the transfer window, has been blighted by injury and his involvement in last week’s Europa League game lasted just three minutes before his night was over.

Simunovic subsequently missed Sunday’s trip to Dingwall for the Ross County game but Deila anticipates that the defender will take his place as Celtic line up against Ajax in just over a fortnight’s time.

“A proper look at the injury showed that it was nothing too big which was good news for us,” said Deila. “Jozo will be back after the time away with the national team.

“He has shown leadership and character when he has played with us and I think we need leaders in this environment. Of course, it has been disappointing that we have not been able to see more of him because we would like to have been able to develop a strong partnership with his and Dedryck Boyata, and that takes time.

“Jozo has gone off to join up with Croatia but he has assured us that if he is not ready to play then he will come back and we trust the medical staff to take care of him.”

And Deila believes that a fully fit Simunovic will entice the best out of Boyata.

Celtic’s defensive issues have been at the forefront of their inability to make inroads into the Europa League this season and the incessant changing of personal at the back due to injury issues has not lent itself to a stable backline.

“It is so important that we try and get some consistency now,” said Deila. “We want the best possible squad and team on the pitch and he is one of those that we put in that category.

“But there is no point in playing people if they are not fit. We need everyone fully fit and ready to give 100 per cent. Hopefully the break gives us that chance.”

Another bonus for Deila is the fitness of Scott Brown. The Hoops skipper is expected to join full training next week and the Celtic boss expects him to be ready when the calendar gets underway after the international break.

“We are very optimistic that Scott will be fine and will be back after the break,” explained Deila. “He is such an important player for us. It will be a big thing for us to get him back in.

“Charlie Mulgrew has a small chance for the end of this month. It is still early days for him and we do not want him to have another set-back so we are taking it slowly but we will see nearer the time if he is going to make it or not.”