DESPITE the difficulties Celtic have had in Europe this season, they are still the biggest club and best team in Scotland.

They have, by some distance, the biggest budget and the strongest squad.

To close the gap on them at the top of the SPFL Premiership is asking a lot of any side.

A lot will depend on whether they can qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, or if they end up going into the Europa League this month.

Playing games on the continent once again may result in them dropping points domestically. The new manager, Ronny Deila, will take time to get to grips with a new challenge.

But I was speaking to some Norwegian journalists when I was covering the World Cup in the summer and they all raved about him.

They told me to forget about any pre-conceived notions I may have about Norwegian coaches favouring the long ball.

Deila is, according to my colleagues, a very studious coach who is all about passing and movement.

They felt it may take time for the players to familiarise themselves with what he is trying to do.

I think it is far too early to judge Ronny Deila.