Ronny Deila today signalled his delight as fit-again Charlie Mulgrew was expected to be drafted back into the Scotland set-up.

 

National team boss Gordon Strachan was due to name his squad this morning for the games against Qatar and the Republic of Ireland.

And Deila believes that any game time the versatile Celtic defender may get in June can help to prepare him for the club's critical Uefa Champions League qualifiers in July.

Mulgrew came off the bench for Celtic during Friday night's 0-0 draw at St Johnstone, his first appearance since being sidelined in early December.

And Deila reckons any involvement in international football will be enormously beneficial to the player.

"It will be very positive for him and for us if he is in the Scotland national team," said Deila.

"If he is involved just with training it is something else that helps with his fitness and if he does get some game time then that is great for him and great for us."

While Deila will applaud one player making it into his international team, he is expecting another to bow out this summer.

Emilio Izaguirre is facing a club v country row this summer with Honduras featuring in the Gold Cup at the same time as Celtic play the vital qualifying games.

Izaguirre had been quoted earlier this month as saying that if he was selected he would be playing for his country, but Deila is fully expecting to have the player available to him for the qualifying games.

"I have spoken to Emilio," said the Celtic boss. "He will go in June to play for his country, but he will not play in the Gold Cup for Honduras.

"He has told us that. It is such an important time for the club."

Meanwhile, Deila remains insistent that his players are not for sale as the club chases a place in the group stages of the Champions League.

Endless speculation over the future of Virgil van Dijk continues, with Everton and Southampton reported to be set to test Celtic's resolve with a £10million offer for his services.

Deila does not want to lose the player, although he has hinted if the defender is determined to quit the club that he at least remains to be involved in the qualifiers.

He said: "I speak to Virgil every day. He loves the club and he is in a good place now.

"It is so crucial that he stays for the qualifiers because we need him."

Striker Leigh Griffiths has also been linked with a £1m switch to Leeds.

"We want all our players here. That is so important to us." said Deila.