Celtic manager Ronny Deila has suggested that he is still interested in signing free agent Carlton Cole, despite the former West Ham United striker picking up an injury this week.

The 31-year-old - who scored 68 goals in 293 appearances for the Hammers - has been on trial at the Glasgow outfit over the past two weeks, and Deila insists that the Croydon-born player could be important for the Bhoys if he reaches full fitness.

"Carlton got knock at training yesterday," Deila is quoted as saying by BT Sport. "We have to see what injury it is and how long he is going to be out. We don't think it is a big one. He will still train with us and we will see what is happening.

"But we are still talking. The last game he played was at the end of May so whatever happens, it is not a short-term thing, like he will be going in and be fantastic for Celtic at once.

"He needs to build up his fitness and that is what we are doing now."

Cole has made seven international appearances for England.