SHAUN MALONEY reckons Celtic need a leader in the dugout to replace boss Ronny Deila at Parkhead this summer.

The Norwegian saw his side clinch the Premiership title with a 3-2 win over Aberdeen on Sunday as the Hoops made it five-in-a-row in the top flight.

Deila has just two games left as manager before he quits the club at the end of a mixed campaign at home and abroad.

And former Parkhead striker Maloney knows Celtic have to start moving forward again once Deila has bowed out this term.

He said: “I would agree that is an experienced, a leader-type manager that they need. At the moment, they aren’t improving.

“The manager has spoken about that himself and that is one of the reasons why he is leaving.

“The second half of last season, I thought they did improve in the games against Inter Milan and in their domestic form. But that obviously hasn’t carried on this season and I think that is why Ronny is leaving.”

Celtic were cruising towards the title when Mikael Lustig added to a Patrick Roberts brace just after the break to put them in control at Parkhead.

But Derek McInnes’ side fought back through Niall McGinn and Andrew Considine before the Hoops were finally able to get over the winning line.

He said: “Under previous managers, when it went to 3-0 you always looked for four or five.

“In fairness to Aberdeen, it got to 3-1 and the whole intensity of the game changed. Aberdeen were on the front foot, Celtic took that step back.

“Those managers (Martin O’Neil, Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon), they drove you forward with their personality and the size of their character.

“I think Ronny manages in a different way. He lets the players have a say in team matters.

“I don’t know if the manager can be blamed exactly for when it goes to 3-0. It is the players who are out on the pitch so that would be a little bit harsh I think.”