Scottish Gossip: Collins & Neilson re-visit controversial remarks

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Assistant manager John Collins has admitted to some regret after recently saying Scottish players were not "clever enough" or "quick enough thinkers" to hurt Celtic. (Herald)

But Collins has defended his controversial analysis and insists it has not caused any lingering feud with Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes. (Scotsman)

Collins says the only war with the Dons is on the pitch. (Daily Express)

Journalists quizzed Collins about his recent comments about Scottish players

Meanwhile, John Collins believes Celtic's 2-2 draw with Ajax in Amsterdam on Thursday has done "wonders" for the players' confidence. (Scotsman)

Dundee forward Rory Loy says Aberdeen's feat in beating Celtic last week can spur the Dark Blues on against Celtic on Sunday. (Sun)

But Loy is not expecting Celtic to suffer any hangover from their midweek meeting with Ajax. (Herald)

Head coach Robbie Neilson has no intention of retracting anything he said about referee Willie Collum after Hearts' recent defeat by Hamilton Academical, despite being accused of inferring bias or incompetence. (Scotsman, print edition)

Comments by Neilson (right) about Collum (left) have landed him in bother with the SFA

Neilson reckons Collum needs help and the Hearts boss is looking forward to his Scottish FA hearing this week. (Daily Record, print edition)

Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean believes he is finally justifying his £300,000 transfer fee, having moved to Pittodrie from St Mirren in January. (Scotsman)

Dougie Imrie insists Hamilton Accies are treating Saturday's Lanarkshire derby against Motherwell like any other game. (Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Scotland prop Peter Wright, a regular BBC Radio Scotland pundit, has revealed he has always been fearlessly honest and admits that's often been his downfall. (Scotsman)