Ronny Deila has said that Celtic are one of the biggest clubs in Europe, despite selling a number of players to teams in the Premier League.

Celtic saw defenders Virgil van Dijk and Adam Matthews move to Southampton and Sunderland respectively this summer, and previously sold Fraser Forster and Victor Wanyama, also to Southampton.

"They're going to a higher level, playing Premier League every week. But they are not bigger clubs than Celtic," Deila told reporters.

"Who is bigger than Celtic? You have to go Arsenal, Manchester United maybe.

"But they are playing in the Premier League, you have a bigger chance to show yourself and move on to the next stage, the national team as well. So it's about two things. Money, of course, and playing in a bigger league that is more competitive."

Celtic will play Aberdeen in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday afternoon.

Written by
Jonathan McIntosh