Ronny Deila backs the idea of Celtic playing in the United States

25 November 2015 17:46

Boss Ronny Deila has thrown his weight behind the idea of Celtic playing in the United States.

While the Hoops boss was this week preparing for the crunch Europa League clash with Ajax at Celtic Park on Thursday night - where defeat ends hopes of qualifying out of Group A - Dundee confirmed they are in discussions with the Parkhead club about the possibility of playing a Scottish Premiership fixture Stateside.

While the proposal is still a long way from coming to fruition, Deila expressed his general support.

The Norwegian said: "I don't know the details about it, I heard about it, but it is a positive thing to my mind.

"We have a lot fans in the United States and to get over there and show ourselves and promote the Scottish game is very, very good.

"It is a special league. There has been an unbelievable history here and I think it is important to keep that memory alive and go out and see other countries. It has to, of course, suit our programme."

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths described the proposal as "exciting", saying: "If we get the chance to go there it will be a great opportunity for us.

"When you're going to America you're going to play in front of a massive crowd.

"We've got a worldwide fan base and I think the Celtic fans over there will turn out in there numbers.

"It gives us a chance to go and show what we can do and put us on the map a little bit."

Source: PA