THE issue of Ronny Deila’s level of job security is barely even up for discussion. Whatever happens in this evening’s Europa League match with Ajax, no matter how low this underwhelming campaign may slide, the Norwegian looks likely to carry on as head coach of the Parkhead side.

This evening’s game could prove to be instructive about the futures of others, though.

Celtic have aspirations to be a Champions League team. Dermot Desmond admitted as much earlier this season. Indeed, he still believes they should be capable of competing in the knockout stages, which are, without doubt, a considerable distance from some of the standards set in recent months.

Whether Deila can get Celtic to the Promised Land of the group stage of European football’s premier competition remains to be seen. Certainly, some of the players he has signed must prove they are worthy of a place in the next attempt to complete that particular journey.

Ajax, rather like Celtic, are not the force they were. Far from it. However, they are top of the Eredivisie in Holland and will provide a good test. This is not a bad match in which to judge the mettle of several of Deila’s signings and form judgements on whether or not they will be able to compete at a higher level.

Dedryck Boyata is one. He has been anything but impressive in Europe this season within a defence that simply cannot stop leaking goals. The 24-year-old Belgian really needs to deliver a dominant performance and offer proof that he is capable of forming a solid partnership with Jozo Simunovic.

Leigh Griffiths has been very good at domestic level. His goals record speaks for itself and he has already seen off the challenges of a number of rival centre-forwards. Is he a player for European level, though? The jury remains out.

He failed to take advantage of some real opportunities against Molde at Parkhead and must show he has the focus to keep showing his killer instinct when chances are few and far between.

Given the personnel problems Celtic face in the centre of the field, there should be opportunities for a number of players to shine this evening. Tom Rogic has made unquestionable progress and this is a big night for him with Scott Brown and Nir Bitton missing.

It will be interesting to see where Deila chooses to use Stuart Armstrong, who has had to deal with injury and form issues this season. He is a central midfielder. He has never really been given any meaningful opportunity to play there and deserves a chance to show that he can succeed in his natural position.

Likewise, there may be a possibility to give Scott Allan some game time. Allan arrived from Hibernian as the best player in the Ladbrokes Championship, but the gulf between that level and this is clear.

Deila has spoken of him taking time to adapt, but it would be good to see some results soon. He is a player with some potential, but, for the moment, remains only that.

Celtic, of course, can still qualify for the next round of the Europa League should results go their way. There is plenty to keep tonight’s match interesting. Certainly, a number of individuals have questions to answer and points to prove.