Deila was lined up to be Keane’s No.2

Ronny Deila was appointed Celtic manager just days after he could have become Roy Keane’s assistant.

The Parkhead club offered the post to the controversial Irishman, but wanted the unknown Norwegian to be his No. 2.

Former Hoops boss Neil Lennon also confirmed Deila was in the frame to replace his own assistant manager Johan Mjallby before he quit the post.

Keane decided to turn down the offer, and is expected to join Aston Villa as Paul Lambert’s assistant.

That opened the door for Deila, and the 38-year-old has started the process of convincing the Hoops faithful he’s the man for the job.

He might not be the big-name appointment supporters were expecting to succeed Neil Lennon.

But his players can expect to work under a manager who wants to make his players grow as men as well as footballers.

“To be a manager, you have to be educated,” said Deila. “You have two parts. One is about football, and if you have played 100 Champions League games then, of course, you have an advantage. You have been there.

“But the other 50% is leadership to treat people right. To make them feel in a good way and progress. “n that part, I have a lot of education. And it’s about personality as well. The hard way is sometimes the best way.”

Described by Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell as the perfect fit, it is easy to understand such a statement.

At a time when the Scottish champions need to focus on producing players capable of being sold on at large profits, Deila already has an impressive track record in that field.

In fact, the new Hoops boss actually gets more satisfaction out of making a player better than winning silverware.

And the perfect example was the way he turned Stefan Johansen’s career around which led to him securing a £2m move to Parkhead.

Deila explained: “Stefan had a hard time before he came to Stromsgodset. He was out the team at his club and unhappy. His career was almost going under. I thought if we get something out of this, then it is a positive. If not, it is no problem because there was no financial outlay.

“I heard before he came he had problems with his attitude but from the first day he arrived he worked very hard. If you are not in the team you can say the manager is a bad manager. But you have to think: ‘Why am I not in the team?’

“Stefan was always patient. It took him over a year to get into the team and he was ready then. He replaced a player who was sold.

“And after that his career has went upwards. I said to Stefan that I am going to drive you there (Celtic) if you get a chance. He has now won a Championship and that is what it is all about.

“So if someone calls from Barcelona, and says they want one of our players, then fantastic. “