Former Celtic forward Darren Jackson has slammed the speculation surrounding Ronny Deila’s future at the club and has claimed the Norwegian deserves to keep his job if he wins the double this season.

The likes of David Moyes and Malky Makay have been linked with the managerial hot seat at Parkhead, with both men refusing to rule out potentially taking over at the club in the future.

Jackson believes such talk is disrespectful to Deila, who has guided the Hoops to the top of the Scottish Premiership standings this season, as well as the Scottish Cup semi-finals, where they will face Old Firm rivals Rangers at Hampden Park next month.

He said: “I think everyone is being totally disrespectful to Ronny. He’s in a job, he’s top of the league and Celtic could still win the Cup. Yes, he’s had a couple of bad results, he will admit that himself, but you can’t do any more in the league.”

The former Scotland international, who played for Celtic between 1997 and 1999, acknowledges that the club’s failings in Europe is largely why Deila is currently under pressure, but he insists it would be unfair to sack the Norwegian if he wins the domestic double.

He continued: I have a lot of respect for Ronny. The European results were disappointing and put him under a bit of pressure but I wouldn’t like to say he should be out of a job when he’s top of the league and in a semi-final.”

Celtic are next in action when they travel to Rugby Park to take on struggling Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

The Bhoys are available at 1.20 to win the match, whilst Killie are on offer at 13.00 and the draw is priced at 6.00.