Improved Show Delights Deila

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Ronny Deila claimed his Celtic side looked "more complete" in their comfortable 3-0 Scottish League Cup win over Hearts at Parkhead to set up a home quarter-final tie against Partick. The Norwegian boss has had a troubled start to his time as Hoops manager, most recently criticised when they drew 1-1 with Motherwell in their Premiership clash at the same venue on Sunday. However, Celtic won with some comfort against the Championship leaders - although the visitors did contribute to their own downfall in some ways. Striker John Guidetti opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with his first goal since arriving on loan from Manchester City. Hearts striker Osman Sow blasted his penalty over the bar in the 54th minute after he had been fouled by Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk and two minutes later referee Willie Collum awarded the home side a penalty when Gorgie defender Alim Ozturk clumsily fouled Guidetti - with Kris Commons making no mistake from 12 yards. Jambos defender Adam Eckersley put through his own net just after the hour mark to seal the win for the Premiership champions. "It was a very good performance," said Deila. "I have been delighted over the last two games, I am seeing a team who works hard and works together. "We did that on Sunday as well but what we didn't do is open Motherwell up, we were too slow, we had too few penetrative runs. "Tonight we were much better and in the first half we had six very good chances - and that was against a good team with good confidence. "So I am very pleased. I think we look much more stronger and more complete." Deila denied being disappointed that he had not drawn traditional rivals Rangers in the next round. He said: "I said I would take what's coming. We have got Thistle, it will be a difficult match but it is good that we are at home. "We love to play in front of our fans in our stadium. You have seen tonight that the players enjoyed expressing themselves in front of them." Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was disappointed by the result but still able to make light of Sow's penalty attempt. He said: "I thought there was a lot of conviction in it - it is still coming down. He smashed it. "I am glad he hit it with conviction rather than try to flaff it or try to chip it. I have no issues with him at all and the boys rallied round him at the end. "The penalty changed it, that's the way it goes. At least he has the strength to go up and take it. "But the game hinges on that outcome. "Our defence has been one of the plus points of the season so far for us "We made mistakes for the first goal, the second goal and the third goal so if you do that when you come here you are going to lose games. "We hit the crossbar at 1-0 down and we missed the penalty and you need to take the chances. "We didn't do that and didn't deserve anything from the game. "But I was pleased with a lot of the aspects of it."