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Derek McInnes hits back at “disparaging” comments from Celtic assistant boss

Derek McInnes was far from impressed with the comments from John Collins
Derek McInnes was far from impressed with the comments from John Collins

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has hit back at John Collins after the Celtic assistant manager claimed Scottish teams are not clever enough to trouble the Hoops.

Collins reckons Celtic’s preparations to qualify for the Champions League have been hindered because the other teams in Scotland do not possess “clever enough players or quick enough thinkers to punish us”.

The Celtic assistant manager added his players can switch off because they feel they are not going to be punished if they make a mistake.

Speaking after his side’s 2-0 Premiership win against Kilmarnock yesterday, McInnes accused Collins of a lack of respect for the other clubs in the top flight.

He said: “He’s got a lot to say for an assistant manager. He’s entitled to his opinion but if it was that easy they’d win the treble every year.

“It’s very disparaging, it’s a poor comment. Whether he thinks that or not, it’s disrespectful to the rest of the league to say that and it’s disappointing.

“There is a level of competition there that can test Celtic and what he said is a slap in the face to the rest of the league.”

There was no hint of a European hangover as the Dons strolled to victory against Premiership bottom side Kilmarnock at Pittodrie.

 Graeme Shinnie fires Aberdeen ahead.
Graeme Shinnie fires Aberdeen ahead.

Despite exiting the Europa League after a 1-1 draw against Kairat Almaty on Thursday, the Dons dominated the first half and took the lead through Graeme Shinnie after 37 minutes.

Adam Rooney converted a second-half penalty to put the game beyond Gary Locke’s men and leave the Reds level with Celtic and Hearts on six points from their opening two fixtures.

Kilmarnock, beaten 4-0 by Dundee on the opening day of the season, failed to register a single shot on target.

Shinnie, a summer acquisition from Caley Thistle, was delighted to open his account for his new club. The Aberdonian netted three goals in 43 appearances for Inverness last season but hopes to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis with the Dons.

He said: “It was good to get off the mark with a goal. It is something I want to add to my game. It is a good start to get a goal in my second league game of the season.

“That gives me a platform to build on but the most important thing was to get the three points.”