Ronny Deila believes that John Kennedy has all the makings of a future Celtic manager.

The former Hoops player, whose career was cut short after a devastating knee injury, has been an assistant to Deila since the Norwegian arrived in Glasgow.

Kennedy and Collins made up his coaching staff and Deila has insisted that there is a future in management for the well-thought of Kennedy.

“Kennedy is a great prospect, in my opinion, to become a very good manager,” said Deila. “He is very determined and wants to learn. He is hard working and intelligent, socially and football wise. This is just the start for him.

“He could be the Celtic manager in the future one day. It’s too early for him now – he needs to get out and get some experience - but he’s respected within the whole club. The players ike him and you can see he has leadership qualities.

“I have been lucky with my two assistants while I have been here. It’s been great to work with them as I have learned a lot. Hopefully they have got some small things from me as well.”

And Deila also believes that Collins also deserves to be recognised for his role at the club.

“Collins has references on a level that not a lot of people in Scotland have had for many years. He’s been in a club environment that’s been in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“He knows what the foreign countries are doing with the best clubs around. He has been unbelievably important for me and has so much to offer. He is different from a lot of people in Scotland – he dares to speak and say what he means.

“That’s so important to have people like that. He knows what he’s talking about and it’s important he’s listened to. He has a voice that can develop Scottish football. He could be a manager again too –he has been there before.”

And Deila even offered the thought that his assistants could take the job on when he quits the club at the end of the season, albeit that seems unlikely.

“That’s possible, everything is possible,” he said. “They have both seen what it’s all about and have been at the club before, as well. They could follow up a lot of the things we have started. So of course it’s possible.”