Former Celtic striker John Hartson believes that Ronny Deila should get his day to win the title at Parkhead.

The Norwegian will be replaced at the end of the season after the club confirmed the manager’s departure yesterday morning.

And while Hartson is of the long-standing opinion that Deila has been considerably out of his depth at Celtic, he does think it appropriate that he is given the chance to celebrate this season’s title before he quits the club.

"Celtic could have lost the title this year if Aberdeen hadn't slipped up but I think Ronny should get his day,” said Hartson.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton: If Ronny Deila had stayed at Celtic he would have been Rangers biggest asset

“I have said my thing but I have said since day one that he wasn’t good enough. Last season, I felt that he turned the screw slightly and they went on a good run and won the double but the challenge wasn’t there from Aberdeen like it has been this season.

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“The challenge will be there next season. A lot of Celtic fans gave me stick last season for saying it last season, but those same fans now have been calling for his head. I don’t know the man so it is nothing personal.

“I haven’t met him, I have only said hello to him, but it is no surprise that his time is up. Celtic will give him his day in terms of lifting the title because I think they will win the league and then he will go.”

And Hartson has echoed calls from former pundits and players that whoever replaces Deila is a strong personality.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton: If Ronny Deila had stayed at Celtic he would have been Rangers biggest asset

“Ronny was the type of man who was delighted to be Celtic manager, like every other type of manager would,” he said. “But you have got to have a strong relationship and strong opinions with your owners.

“You can’t just be happy to take the job – you have to take it and say that I am going to need this amount of amount and this player and that player. I am not sure Ronny has done that. He bought a couple of players from Dundee United for a couple of million but you need a manager to come in and say ‘this is what I need to take us forward in Europe because we aren’t strong enough as a group’.

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“That is what I think Celtic need but whether they are prepared to go out and bring in that strong character, an experienced one like Davie Moyes, who has been mentioned.”

And Hartson believes that Neil Lennon and Alan Stubbs will be in contention for the role.

“I said Alan Stubbs months ago and people laughed at me,” said Hartson. “But if Alan wins the Scottish Cup Final and gets Hibs promoted through the play-offs, he has got to be a candidate, hasn’t he? I think the board will have a clear few and will have a few in their mind but Celtic need a strong manager. They need to go in and tell Peter Lawwell what is needed otherwise you can’t be expected to take the club forward.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton: If Ronny Deila had stayed at Celtic he would have been Rangers biggest asset

“I am not surprised – Neil had a difficult time at proven after they cut the wage bill. He did his best under difficult circumstances and I am sure he would love the job. He has been there before and if he is willing to take it on after all the issues and what he had to do when he was in charge, then he is a brave man.

“I sat next to Neil for five years in that Celtic dressing room and he was a terrific little player and knows the club inside out. You would have to ask the fans what their opinions would be, but I think the majority would want him back.

“If you ask a man if they want the Celtic job, not may would turn it down.”

* Former Celtic star John Hartson was speaking at his annual golf day to promote the John Hartson Foundation's testicular cancer awareness campaign.