RONNY Deila last night insisted Craig Gordon, the goalkeeper who this week signed a three year contract extension at Celtic, is a better player now than when he was sold for a British record £9 million transfer fee.

And Deila is confident Gordon can help his side keep a clean sheet in the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round match against FK Qarabag next week and ensure they progress to the play-off.

The 32-year-old, who was named SFWA Player of the Year last season after making a comeback from a long-term injury which threatened to end his career, committed his future to the Scottish champions until 2018 on Wednesday.

That decision delighted his Norwegian manager who rates the 43-times capped Scotland internationalist, linked with a potential move to Chelsea this summer, as “the best goalkeeper I have ever seen”.

Gordon was sold by first club Hearts to Sunderland for £9 million – the most money a British club had ever paid for a goalkeeper at the time – back in 2007.

But Deila feels the player Celtic signed for free last summer is more experienced now than when he was down south and is pleased his decision to extend his stay at Parkhead will end speculation about him moving on.

“Craig came in here and he was not on the biggest salary, but he has done so good and we want to keep him for many years,” he said. “We also give him something back for the hard work he has done, so it was positive for him and the club.

“He could have stopped playing and taken his money from insurance and things, but he wanted to keep playing and that shows how ambitious he is. Craig has done very well for us and will be very important for the future.

“If we concede stupid goals and don’t score them, it doesn’t matter how hard anyone else plays. A striker and a goalkeeper are always very vital in the team. It is a good sign from the club.”

Deila added: “It’s hard to say where he rates when it comes to British keepers, but he’s played in England and did well there. He is the best goalkeeper I have ever seen, so he’s in a high level.

“He’s a Premier League player, but how he compares to the best ones, I don’t know. Is he still worth £9 million? For us he is. With his age now, his value may not be as high as before, but he might be even better than he was at that time.

“I can understand interest from England because he had a very good season last year and he will be even better this year as he’ll get a lot of matches played and more consistency. Hopefully, we can get into Champions League group stages and he can show himself there as well as the level he plays at.”

Deila, whose side beat Qarabag 1-0 at Parkhead on Wednesday night, is confident that having Gordon in his side will help Celtic get the result they need in the rematch in Azerbaijan next week.

He said: “Individually we are very strong at the back. The goalkeeper and also the two in front. We have the individual quality to do it.”

“If we can do the same in Baku as we did down in Maribor last season, when we played a good tactical game there and created chances to win, we will be close to where we need to be.”