Deila Named Premiership Manager Of The Month

Ronny Deila picked out Celtic's 3-1 win over Aberdeen on Saturday as the highlight of October after picking up the Premiership manager of the month award.

The Hoops beat Hamilton, Motherwell and Dundee United before a convincing home win over the Dons left them six points clear of Hearts at the top of the table.

Celtic also overcame the Jambos 2-1 at Tynecastle to book their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals, while in their Europa League section a 2-2 home draw with Fenerbahce was followed by a 3-1 defeat by Molde in Norway.

"Every game is important but beating Aberdeen at home was even more so as it gives us an advantage in the league,'' the Celtic boss said.

"Nobody can take these points away from us now.

"We want to keep winning and keep developing but it makes it even better if we can develop while already winning games and with a gap at the top of the table."

Deila singled out in-form striker Leigh Griffiths, whose double against the Pittodrie men took his league tally to 11 this season.

The Norwegian said: "Leigh has developed a lot over the last 18 months.

"In the beginning he wasn't playing regularly but he has worked hard and is better now on and off the pitch.

"He was important at the end of last season but he is even more so now and that's a credit to him.

"To have a player that scores in almost every game is what every team wants and he will be a big player for us this season and hopefully for many years to come."