Ronny Deila was elated after his Celtic team tore Hamilton Academicals asunder in an eight-goal demolition at Celtic Park.

The scottish champions strolled to their third league win in a row, quickly bouncing back from a wobble around Christmas to move six points clear the top of the table.

Striker Leigh Griffiths grabbed a hat-trick after Mikael Lustig, Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic had put Celtic three up inside ten minutes.

There were also goals for James Forrest and Callum McGregor at Parkhead and Deila felt his side could easily have scored more goals.

“It was a great performance,” said Deila. “It could have been much more than eight.”

Eamonn Brophy scored Accies consolation goal while keeper Michael McGovern repeatedly foiled Celtic to keep the score from ticking into double figures.

Deila felt the performance replicated what he has been witnessing on the training field since Celtic’s schedule became less cluttered after their Europa League campaign ended.

“In training we have looked better and better and you could see what kind of tempo we can play at if we play at our best,” added Deila.

“We have played a lot of games and a lot of people were very tired, but now we have had less weeks where we have played some games and we have trained okay, and now you see more energy in the team.”

Celtic face fourth-placed St Johnstone in Glasgow on Saturday before a League Cup semi-final against Ross County as Deila and his squad continue their pursuit of a first Scottish treble since 2000/01 when Martin O’Neill steered the Bhoys to domestic glory.

Celtic are 1.67 to lead at half time and beat St Johnstone on Saturday.