Rumour Mill: Aleksander Tonev

Bulgarian star Aleksandar Tonev made his debut for Celtic but ended up being accused of racism during the match against Aberdeen. Picture: SNS

Aleksander Tonev has vowed to fight racist allegations

Aleksander Tonev’s agent has branded racism a disgusting blight on football and vowed to deliver the truth as his client faces an SFA probe into allegationsthat he abused Aberdeen star Shaleum Logan. The matter was reported by the Dons to Celtic boss Ronny Deila and later to ref Bobby Madden and SPFL delegate John Connolly.

Englishman Logan is understood to have told Madden that Tonev said to him: “Get your hands off of me you black ****.”

Tonev denied the claims when questioned by Ronny Deila and assistant manager John Collins. A Celtic spokesman said: “We have spoken with the player and he says the accusation made is not true.” (Various)

Jason Denayer claims Celtic can make Europa final

Jason Denayer claims Celtic can make it all the way to the Europa League final. Loan defender Denayer is adamant Celtic have a squad capable of mounting a stunning challenge for Euro glory in Warsaw next May. He said: “It all depends on us. If we play as we can, if we play to 100 per cent of our ability, we can go to the final.” Celtic kick off their Europa campaign when they travel to face Salzburg on Thursday night. Denayer insisted that he was looking forward to challenging for a place, adding: “The coach told me he was going to put some extra experience in the team. I know I don’t have experience like the other defenders here. But I hope to play in the game against Salzburg.” (Sun)

Darren McGregor backs Kris Boyd to regain scoring form

Darren McGregor is convinced Kris Boyd will still net at least 30 goals for Rangers this season, despite a blank start to their Championship campaign. And the defender expects Boyd to provide a potent edge to the Ibrox attack when Ally McCoist’s side seek to overcome premiership side Inverness Caley Thistle in tomorrow night’s League cup clash. All of the striker’s five goals for Rangers this season have come in knockout competition. McGregor said: “He’s got a few in cup games but Boydy is a winner and he’s a goalscorer - everyone knows that. He has scored at every club he has been at and delivered a lot of goals. It will come for him.” (Mail)

Celtic’s Europa League opponents Red Bull Salzburg are struggling for form

Red Bull Salzburg manager Adi Hutter admits his side are suffering a crisis of confidence ahead of their Europa League clash with Celtic after slipping to a third consecutive defeat. The Austrian champions succumbed to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against ten-man RZ Pellets WAC. The surprise loss follows defeats against Sturm Graz and Malmo - meaning Salzburg have lost three competitive games on the bounce for the first time since November 2011. Hutter said: “At the moment there is something inside us that seems to be making it difficult to register victories. That anxiety can bring three defeats in a row, but I’m sure we will rectify it.” (Express)

Man United back in business

Louis Van Gaal warned the rest of the Premier League that his Manchester United side will only improve after chalking up his first win as their manager. Record-buy Angel Di Maria inspired United on his home debut by scoring the first and having a hand in the other goals for Anders Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in a resounding 4-0 winover QPR at Old Trafford. (Various)

David Goodwillie has Scotland ambitions

David Goodwillie says he’s ready to work his socks off for Aberdeen and hopes Scotland boss Gordon Strachan notices. The striker netted his first goal for the Dons at Parkhead and believes he’s close to returning to the kind of form he’s convinced can get him back into the international reckoning. He said: “Everyone has their ambitions and goals and I’d love to play for Scotland again. I just want to keep my head down and work hard.” (Sun)

News in Brief:

• Celtic winger James Forrest is facing at least another month on the sidelines. (Various)

• Former Rangers target Jonatan Soriano says he’ll help sink Celtic for Salzburg. (Sun)

• Celtic flop Amido Balde has been labelled ‘world class’ after a sensational 40-yard goal on his loan debut in Belgium. (Record)

Rumour Mill: Aleksander Tonev | Jason Denayer