Deila: This is bigger than Inter
Ronny Deila has stressed the importance of Sunday's visit of Hamilton by claiming it is more important than Celtic's European exploits.
The Parkhead fans are still getting their breath back following the dramatic 3-3 Europa League home draw against Inter Milan on Thursday night.
The Scottish Premiership leaders go to San Siro on Thursday night for the second leg of the last-32 tie still in with a chance after fighting back twice to grab an injury-time equaliser through substitute striker John Guidetti.
However, the Hoops boss believes the league, with its Champions League reward for the winners, remains paramount .
The Norwegian claims his players have the mentality to adapt back to the different domestic challenge against Accies, who, after a terrific start to the season, are without a win in seven.
"We know that the league is the most important thing," said Deila, who has midfielder Kris Commons back following a hamstring injury which kept him out for three games.
"So, in my mind, this Sunday is more important than Thursday night because we know what is in the pot if we win (the league).
"It (adapting) is about culture. That is what we work on every day and when you have a clear style sometimes it is easier to go into matches when you are tired.
"You rely on your pattern, where everyone knows what's happening.
"That is what we want to build up here and that is going to be hard to cope with for any team who comes to Celtic Park."
Returning to the thrilling game against the Serie A giants, Deila claimed that it showed the clear improvement in his side since the start of the season when they passed up on two chances to qualify for the Champions League.
The former Stromsgodset boss said: "If we had met them six months ago, we wouldn't have had a chance so I think we are going the right way.
"It was a good performance and good to come back from two down. And we had a very young team.
"Football is about entertaining and pleasing people and it seems people were happy with the way we approached the game and that we fought to the end and got a result."
Kris Commons returns to the Celtic squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the Hoops' last three matches.
Hamilton travel to Celtic Park in contrasting form to their previous visit but player-manager Martin Canning insists they will maintain belief they can upset the odds again.
Accies went top of the Scottish Premiership when Ali Crawford's goal gave them a 1-0 triumph at Parkhead on October 5.
They had not lost for two months beforehand and thrashed local rivals Motherwell 4-0 at Fir Park the previous weekend but go to the east end of Glasgow on Sunday on a run of seven games without victory.
But Canning will remind his players of their Celtic Park success and sees no reason why they cannot repeat it.
"You always draw on things that can help you and inspire you and having gone there and won before, it's definitely something we will talk about," the defender said.
"Once you have done it once, who is to say you can't do it again? It gives you a bit of belief.
"When you are going through a spell of winning, you can't really put your finger on why you are winning, you are just in a groove. And it's the same when you are losing, you can't really put your finger on why you are putting in performances and not getting results.
"That happens through a season, you will go through spells.
"Obviously confidence has a factor but I don't see it being a big issue. The boys are professional and once a defeat is done, it's done."
Nigel Hasselbaink will be in the Hamilton squad after his long-delayed international clearance came through following his move from Greek side Veria.
Dougie Imrie returns from suspension but Jesus Garcia Tena begins a two-match ban. However, fellow defenders Mikey Devlin and Lucas Tagliapietra should be available after ankle problems.
Source: PA
