Gary Mackay-Steven is talking highly of his former Celtic boss Ronny Deila.
Deila has recently been made manager at MLS outfit New York City.
He was reunited with winger Mackay-Steven who he signed for The Bhoys during his tenure.
Mackay-Steven belives Deila’s “brilliant” connection with the fans will see him over the line at NYC FC.
Gary Mackay-Steven on his old Celtic boss Ronny Deila
Mackay-Steven believes Deila has what it takes to succeed with the Man City franchise team.
He made the move last season but admitted struggling to keep his fitness.
With a man in charge, the winger believes Deila’s main strength will come from his rapport with the fans.
Mackay-Steven told ProSoccerUSA: “He sees the benefits of a crowd being behind the team. Kind of using the crowd to the advantage of the team and kind of harnessing that. He’s brilliant at doing that.”
A lot is being made of the Norwegian stripping off after avoiding relegation with Stromsgodset.
But, Mackay-Steven isn’t counting on it, going from his experiences with the Hoops.
He added: “He didn’t do anything quite like that at Celtic but he loved to celebrate victories with the supporters.”
Deila is more familiar for his ‘Ronny Roar’ after every league win during his time. It will be interesting to see if he will take it stateside to his new set of supporters.
Mackay-Steven lastly talks highly of Deila off the field in his interview with ProSoccerUSA.
He said: “His door’s always open. He’s open and honest with everyone.
“He’s open to explaining his points of view. He’s a really good people person – whether soccer related or not.”
MLS returns at the end of February with NYC FC playing on 1st March.
City travel to Columbus Crew in their first match of the season, before travelling to Toronto in the next game.
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