Ronny Deila receives Celtic vote of confidence

Peter Lawwell has backed his manager. Picture: John Devlin

The Norwegian finds himself under pressure less than three months into the job following Celtic’s midweek exit from the Champions League at the hands of Maribor.

However, Lawwell believes the new manager requires significantly more time with which to build a stronger squad.

“We can’t panic, we’ve got to keep the head for the longer term,” said Lawwell on the club’s official website.

“You need time in a period of transition and you’ve got to make allowances for a new manager. Nothing prepares you for the Celtic job.”

The supporters have demanded investment in the first team squad after watching Champions League heroes Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster all being sold on for healthy profits within the last 15 months.

Lawwell understands the frustrations of the fans, but stressed that the club are restricted in their attempts to secure worthy replacements by the rising costs of transfer fees and player wages.

“If you look at Shane Long, he was sold for £12m,” added Lawwell. “We can’t afford that. If you look at Ross McCormack [who was sold to Fulham for £11 million], we can’t afford that or the wages.”

“Every penny is invested, you can’t invest more than everything. We won’t put the long-term future of the club at risk.”