ALEKSANDAR TONEV has assured Ronny Deila he is not guilty of allegations that he made racist remarks to Shay Logan during last weekend's game against Aberdeen.
The Celtic manager believes the Bulgarian, and has no qualms about including him in his plans for tonight's Europa League tie against Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
However, the lack of match sharpness which was apparent when Tonev made his debut for the club he has joined on loan from Aston Villa - and the availability of Wakaso Mubarak - could lead to the man in the middle of the controversy being dropped to the bench for this match.
Police Scotland have indicated they are looking into the matter, but it is understood Logan will not make a statement or complaint to them.
Deila has spoken to Tonev and is confident that, even though the Scottish Football Association are conducting an investigation which may lead to a Notice of Complaint if any evidence is forthcoming, the player is not perturbed by the furore.
"That has been no trouble for him," said the manager. "We made a statement, and I trust my players. I know he didn't do it. He is an honest player and I believe in what he is saying."
Deila is also convinced that there is no issue with Tonev and his team-mates as a result of the allegations made by Logan.
"No, we are in a good mood with the whole squad, and it is nothing we have used energy on," said the Norwegian.
Asked if there is a need to impress upon all his players the club's code of conduct, Deila added: "We haven't talked about it because it hasn't been an issue.
"Everybody knows we don't want to be associated with those words. I trust my players . . . he hasn't said it."
Deila is more concerned about Tonev's physical condition and added: "He needs games. He hasn't played for a long, long time and that's the problem with a lot of the players we have."
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