Kolo Toure joined Celtic in the summer transfer window.
Ronny Deila
Ronny Deila has told The Scottish Sun that Kolo Toure will be an important player for Celtic this season.
Celtic signed 35-year-old defender Toure in the summer transfer window on a free following his departure from Premier League club Liverpool at the end of last season.
The former Ivory Coast international centre-back is past his prime, but he is a hugely experienced footballer who has also played for Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City.
Toure featured for Celtic in their Champions League qualifying play-off tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva this month.
The defender played in both legs, as the Scottish Premiership side won the tie 5-4 on aggregate to book their place in the group stage of the Champions League this season.
Celtic’s Kolo Toure
Former Celtic manager Deila has underlined the importance of Toure for the Bhoys during the 2016-17 campaign.
“Kolo Toure is a leader,” Deila told The Scottish Sun. “You could see that in both games against Be’er Sheva and he will be a very important player for the club.
“He has got so much experience and that will help younger players like KT [Kieran Tierney] improve their game and make progress.”
Celtic’s Kolo Toure
Celtic have been drawn against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach in Champions League Group C.
Brendan Rodgers’ side will take on Aberdeen at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Ronny Deila
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
