RONNY Deila last night said he would welcome Celtic being paired with Rangers in one of the cup competitions this season.
The two famous Glasgow rivals, both of whom are in last 16 duty in the Scottish Communities League Cup this midweek, haven't met in a senior match since April 2012, but Celtic's Norwegian manager is keen to see a rekindling of the Old Firm rivalry sooner rather than later.
"Of course [I would welcome that]," said Deila. "That is a big game and I think everybody is looking forward to those games. It would be fantastic if we can have an Old Firm again."
Celtic's opponents in midweek at Parkhead are Hearts, another of Scotland's establishment teams who have fallen upon hard fiscal times.
While Deila accepts the return of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs to the Scottish top flight will be good for our game and better for his own side's chances of performing in Europe, he nonetheless feels these teams must earn the right to take their place back in the Premiership.
"It's very important to have the highest level in the league," said the Norwegian, whose side follow up the 2-2 Europa League draw against Red Bull Salzburg by taking on Motherwell in a league match at Celtic Park today.
"That will make Scottish football better. But right now this is the highest level. And we have good teams as well, maybe not the biggest names but good teams, better than those in the Championship.
"It is how you perform on the pitch that's the most important thing. We want, of course, all the big teams to be in the top division, but they have to be good enough.
"The higher level you have in the league, the better you do in Europe," Deila added.
"That's why I am so glad we have Europe as well because that's the other way around also, you can take that level into Scotland, and learn from it. These matches are so important for us."
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