The Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has slapped down Ronny Deila's assistant, John Collins, over comments in which he claimed that Scottish players are not good enough to offer Celtic proper preparation for European football.

The Parkhead No.2 sparked widespread anger when he claimed Ladbrokes Premiership players are not good enough to test the champions and that his side had to learn how to defend better in Europe.

He claimed Scottish players are not clever, nor quick enough, thinkers to give Deila's outfit a real challenge and that there are not enough quality players to punish them.

But McInnes reacted angrily to reports of Collins's remarks which he called disrespectful.

"He's got a lot to say for an assistant manager, to be honest," McInnes insisted.

"He's entitled to his opinion but if it was that easy they'd win the treble every year.

"I think it's very disparaging; it's a poor comment.

"Whether he thinks that or not, I think it's disrespectful to the rest of the league to say that. It's disappointing.

"There is a level of competition there that can test them and I think what he said is a slap in the face to the rest of the league."

Collins accusations are bound to foster antagonism from other managers while McInnes's retort could signal a tense game when the teams meet at Pittodrie on September 12.