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.

Defenders Mikael Lustig is out with groin injury and Adam Matthews is missing with a calf injury while new signing from Manchester City John Guidetti has to drop out as he was not registered in time.

Collins is glad to see the return of skipper Scott Brown who made his first appearance of the season against Aberdeen after recovering from a hamstring injury.

He said: “It is great to have him back. Anyone who was at the game on Saturday or watched it on television, he brings so much experience, legs, power, skill and drives other players forward.

“It is like having two or three players back.”