Tonev race row won’t worry Celts, says Collins

John Collins has no worries over race row Celtic player Aleksandar Tonev ahead of their opening Europa League clash with Salzburg in Austria tonight (6pm, live on Setanta Ireland).

Scottish FA compliance officer Vincent Lunny is looking into the allegation that the Bulgarian forward racially abused Aberdeen full-back Shay Logan during Saturday’s Premiership fixture at Celtic Park which the home side won 2-1 to register their first win in five games. A Celtic spokesman said: “We have spoken to the player and he has stated that the accusation made is not true.” Hoops’ assistant Collins said: “The club has made a statement and so we will move forward.”

Stand-in captain Charlie Mulgrew is out with a knee injury while winger James Forrest remains out with a hamstring injury.