Nadir Ciftci is on the bench if Deila needs to bring on extra attacking power, while James Forrest and Gary Mackay-Steven are other options for the Celtic manager.
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That was the fate which befell Ronny Deila last night, when his skipper complained of what appeared to be a knee strain and had to be removed from the team lines, with Gary Mackay-Steven feeling tightness in his groin and unable to take his place on the bench. ‘He was going to be a sub, so we didn’t take any chances. If they can battle their way beyond Aberdeen and Molde in the next seven days, the spoils of victory may soon be theirs. He will be ready very quickly’.
The Scotland global also teed up the decisive close-range finish for Australian worldwide Rogic, which put the tie behind Hearts despite Djoum’s injury-time counter.
‘I’m very, very happy, ‘ said Deila, whose side now enter the semi-final draw a week on Monday.
“It was a good performance by Leigh”.
‘But Tom Rogic came on and added tempo into the game.
Leigh Griffiths made a barnstorming run down the right before crossing with Rogic getting to the near post and producing an audacious flick to score.
Osman Sow thought he had given the hosts the lead after 63 minutes when he prodded the ball home after Juanma knocked down a deep free-kick, but he was offside.
‘I think Hearts were similar to the way they were at Celtic Park, trying to hit on the break and use set-plays, ‘ said Deila.
Morale was high in the Jambos camp after extending their unbeaten run to five games with Saturday’s win over Ross County. “A year ago we got beaten 4-0 [in the Scottish League Cup] and this was only 2-1, we were good in the game and could have won it. Celtic were scrambling at the end, desperate to win”.
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“The players are magnificent for me, young guys like Callum Paterson, Sam Nicholson, Billy King, Jordan McGhee – guys like that that have come through the academy”.
