Deila Wary Of Berget Threat

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Ronny Deila is aware of the threat former Celtic attacker Jo Inge Berget will pose when Malmo visit Parkhead tonight.

The 24-year-old was brought in on loan from Cardiff by his fellow Norwegian last summer but left after scoring just two goals in eight appearances.

Berget has resurrected his career with the Swedish champions and Deila expects him, understandably, to be keen to prove himself when he returns to Celtic Park for the first leg of a Champions League play-off.

"Of course that is his goal, but I have a good relationship with Jo Inge," the Celtic boss said.

"I have known him for many years. It was a tough time for him and for me as well at the start.

"We were struggling with results and he was one of the players brought in so he had a very tough time.

"I think also that the football in Sweden is more suitable for him than British football.

"I know how good a player he is and he is a fantastic personality as well. But hopefully he will have a bad night tonight."

Berget, however, is determined not to suffer Champions League disappointment for the second successive year.

Last season, after being handed a reprieve following their 6-1 aggregate defeat by Legia Warsaw in the third qualifier due to an administration error by the Polish club, Celtic lost to Slovenian outfit Maribor in the play-off.

"I remember last year," said Berget. "Malmo went to the Champions League but I didn't.

"I went out twice. It was a bad feeling, those four games.

"I reckon that feeling is easy for the Celtic players to find.

"They don't want to experience that again and I don't want to experience that feeling again.

"I want to go in the Champions League and I know the Celtic players want to do the same."