Deila Determined For Silverware

Ronny Deila outlined his determination to win his first trophy as Celtic boss against Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday. The Norwegian has publicly coveted the domestic treble since taking over from Neil Lennon last summer and the Hoops are favourites to ensure the first part is secured against the Taysiders. Speaking at the national stadium, which has had a new pitch laid this week, the Parkhead manager recalled the hurt of losing the Norwegian Cup final to Valerenga in his homeland in 2002, when he played for Odd Grenland, as he spoke about what victory against Jackie McNamara's side would mean to him. It is a huge game,'' he said.It was one of our targets before the season and we can achieve it. We are hopefully 90 minutes from a trophy. My demands are high. I really hate losing. I have lost one cup final in my life and that is maybe the worst thing I have done.So we will do everything we can to put in a good performance and if Dundee United beat us then it is easy to accept. If we play badly and lose, that is the worst thing.But I know if we play really well we have the quality to win the game and that is a target. I feel calm. There have been so many big games and in this one you can reach one of your goals.'' United will be without striker Nadir Ciftci who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards earlier in the tournament. McNamara has had longer to come to terms with losing midfielders Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong, who were signed by the Parkhead club during the transfer window, although both are ineligible. The former Celtic defender said:I'd love Nadir to be playing because he is a big player for us. It's always a big ask regardless of who's missing.Celtic are a major force, they've shown that by coming in and taking two of our players in the window. My job is to make sure we have other players in there that can fill the gaps and make sure we can compete.I'm confident we can put a good show on and hopefully cause an upset.'' Following the 1-1 William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final draw between the two teams on a poor Tannadice pitch last Sunday, both McNamara and Deila are hoping the Hampden surface plays its part in a good game of football this week. McNamara said: The pitch looks in good condition I know it's been re-laid I hope it settles enough but I can't see it being any worse than our pitch was on Sunday. Deila said:It looks much better from a distance. That is a good thing.''