Ronny Deila refuses to comment on Celtic future following defeat to Rangers

By Rory O'Callaghan

Celtic boss Ronny Deila says their performance was not at the level he expects after they lost to Rangers

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has refused to comment on his future following the defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Mark Warburton's side secured their place in the final with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over their Old Firm rivals after the match had ended 2-2 at Hampden Park.

Former Celtic striker Kenny Miller had put the Gers in front early on before Erik Sviatchenko levelled the tie shortly after the half time break.

Barry McKay then restored Rangers advantage before Tom Rogic took the match to penalties with a late strike. However, it was Rogic who then missed the decisive spot-kick for Celtic in an enthralling shootout.

Image: Rangers celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out against Celtic

Defeat to Rangers increases the pressure on Deila, who has come under fire from some sections of the Celtic support this season following an underwhelming season.

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However, the Norwegian manager says that it is not the right time to think discuss his future at the club.

"After this game it is hard to talk about those things," he said.

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"There is a lot of emotions going on, but with bad results you of course get the questions. You know you are going to get that pressure all the time when you don't get the results you wanted.

Rangers boss Mark Warburton says his side deserved to beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final

"I know why the question is coming, now we have to lift ourselves after that disappointment and get the league over the line.

"Of course I am disappointed that we lost the game, having said that I am not very satisfied with the performance either.

"We had to be quicker and calmer on the ball and play our game, the positive is that we came back twice and created some chances but overall, not the best day we have had."

Rangers will face Celtic again in the Premiership next season after securing the Championship title against Dumbarton last week. However, Deila insists that his side remain favourites to win the division next season, despite the return of the Ibrox club.

Rangers' Barry McKay scored an absolute peach for Mark Warburton's side in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash against rivals Celtic

"We are going to be ready when they come up," he said.

"Now we are top of the league and we are going to fight to get that title to Celtic Park.

"We will see next year what they have to offer. It is a totally different thing to do something over 38 games than to do it over one."

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