Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has defended Ronny Deila and described out-of-work managers publicly declaring an interest in succeeding him as “disrespectful”.

Deila’s future at Celtic has been the subject of speculation for some time and in recent days David Moyes and Malky Mackay have both spoken about their wish to work at the club, while Neil Lennon has been touted as a possible replacement should Deila leave.

Griffiths revealed that comments about the next manager annoyed players when the club was still top of the Premiership.

“It’s frustrating for the players because it’s disrespectful,” he said. “The gaffer’s got a job here and he’s doing ok.

“We’re still sitting top of the league so for other managers to say they’re interested in the job when there’s a guy still in charge, it’s poor from them.

“I think the gaffer will just ignore it but as players, it frustrates us.”

The striker, who has been in prolific form this season, said that he and his teammates bear the responsibility for disappointing performances, not the man in charge.

“It’s the players,” Griffiths added. “We’re the ones who are out there trying to put the ball in the back of the net and trying to entertain the fans.

“But teams are coming and trying to make it difficult for us and we can’t go out and impress every week. It’s all about getting the three points.”

Griffiths also explained just why Deila has the backing of his players as they aim for a league and cup double this year.

“He’s calm around the place,” he said. “He doesn’t let things affect him.

“He doesn’t shirk from the fact, if we’re not playing well, he sticks to his guns because he knows it will work.

“Performances during the season haven’t been great but sometimes that happens and you’ve got to grinds it out. On Saturday we were a lot, lot better. Hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.

“Even though we’re not playing as well as we should we’re still picking up three points. At the end of the day that’s the most important thing, not the performances or beating teams 5-0 or 6-0.

“If you can grind out 2-1 victories, that’s what champions are made of.”