AHEAD of their sides’ William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final tie at Hampden tomorrow, Rangers manager Mark Warburton has labelled criticism of Celtic counterpart Ronny Deila as “staggering” and “inappropriate”. Deila has come under fire from a section of the Celtic support for the team’s failures in Europe this season as well as for recent struggles in the league. Warburton, preparing for his first Old Firm derby, believes that abuse has been unwarranted.

“I find some of the criticism that he receives quite staggering,” he said. “They are top of the league and have got to a semi-final. I understand some comments about Europe, but I think he has done a tremendous job in that respect.

“After nearly a year [in Scottish football], I think I have come to understand what is involved and how it works. I’m sure Ronny knows it as well. He has been here longer than I have. But I think some of it has been inappropriate. There have been some shocking comments and criticism. I don’t think it is warranted when he is top of the league and doing what he is doing. I can’t comment on Celtic fans and their view of their club. But I know the job he is doing.”