Rumour Mill: John Collins | Robbie Neilson

Celtic assistant manager John Collins defended his 'clever enough' comments. Picture: SNS Group

Collins denies rift with McInnes over ‘clever enough’ comments

CELTIC assistant coach John Collins has defended controversial comments he made about Celtic’s domestic opposition, insisting there is no lingering feud with Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes.

Collins provoked a backlash last month when he made disparaging comments about other Premiership clubs, saying they lacked “clever enough players or quick enough thinkers to punish us”. (The Scotsman)

Robbie Neilson: Willie Collum needs help

HEARTS boss Robbie Neilson took aim at referee Willie Collum ahead of his showdown with the SFA on October 1st.

Neilson apparently made a veiled swipe at Collum after he become embroiled in another storm, sending two Gent players off in a Champions League tie with Olympique Lyonnais.

The Hearts manager will face the SFA to explain comments he made to Collum after he controversially red carded Callum Paterson during Hearts’ defeat to Hamilton. The red card was rescinded on appeal. (Daily Record)

Ross County pleased with Dutch trialist Alex Schalk

ROSS COUNTY manager Jim McIntyre is reportedly pleased with current trialist, Dutchman Alex Schalk and will soon decide if he will sign the youngster.

The former NEC Breda and Go Ahead Eagles striker has been ‘very sharp’ in his first three days on trial. McIntyre said Schalk came recommended and that County “will have a good look at him.” (Press and Journal)

Davy Klaassen: Celtic let off the hook in Amsterdam

Ajax captain Davy Klaassen has reportedly said that the Dutch side let Celtic off the hook in their Europa League stalemate in Amsterdam.

Celtic came close to starting their campaign with a win until Emilio Izaguirre’s red card derailed momentum.

Klaassen has said that it was two pointed dropped for Ajax rather than a point saved. (Scottish Sun)

Kenny McLean finally justifying price tag

ABERDEEN star Kenny McLean believes he is finally justifying his £300,000 price tag, now that he has started to score again for the Dons.

McLean’s deal marked the first time in years that the Pittodrie club had paid a transfer fee for any player, although McLean was reportedly far from happy with his form since he moved from St Mirren in January. (The Scotsman)

El Alagui could be back within a month

HIBERNIAN boss Alan Stubbs hopes to have striker Farid El Alagui back in action at Easter Road within a month.

Out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, El Alagui’s absence has been a cause for concern for Hibs fans. He has yet to appear this season after he returning to the team at the end of last season. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Mark Warburton points to holes in Rangers management

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton told BBC Scotland that there are certain holes in the club’s management that he would like to fill in the future, including appointing a sporting director.

Warburton was sporting director at Brentford, and has insisted that the role would need to be filled in order to recruit quality players. (HITC)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Celtic’s Stefan Scepovic scored the winning goal for loan club Getafe in their tie against Malaga. (InsideFutbol.com)

• Nadir Ciftci has blamed his bad boy image on former teammates at NAC Breda, say they were ‘b*****ds’ in training. (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: John Collins | Robbie Neilson | Celtic