Celtic dismiss claims of Southampton move for v

Southampton have been halted in their chase to sign Virgil van Dijk after Celtic came out to reveal that no deal has been struck, according to reports from Skysports.

Whether the teenager is thrown in from the start remains to be seen but whatever happens, Celtic will know they are about to play a season-defining match.

“It’s water off a duck’s back”, Collins said.

“I’m 100 per cent sure Virgil will be focused on performing for us tomorrow night”.

The Scottish giants take on Malmo in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.

“Collins added: “(Van Dijk) is 100 per cent ready to play.

“I’m hopeful he will be here long term. He is a huge player for us and he’ll be ready”.

Collins confirmed that aside from full-back Mikael Lustig, Celtic have a clean bill of health, while he also gave positive news regarding the 28-year-old Swede who was stretchered off in the first leg with a hamstring injury. “We have no agreement with any club”. “If he comes, he’ll be welcomed like every other player that comes in this club”, he said.

When asked about the furore his comments caused, after being criticised by several Ladbrokes Premiership managers, he said: “I’m not surprised, that’s football”.