CELTIC winger Aleksander Tonev has assured Ronny Deila he did not make racist remarks to Aberdeen defender Shay Logan last Saturday.
And the Hoops boss revealed he believes the Bulgarian - and has no qualms about including him in his plans for tonight's Europa League tie in Salzburg.
But a lack of match sharpness and Wakaso Mubarak's availability could see Tonev, who is on loan from Aston Villa, drop to the bench.
Police have revealed he will not be charged over the claim, and that Logan did not wish to make a complaint.
And even though the SFA are investigating the allegations, Deila insists the row has not upset Tonev.
"It has been no trouble for him," the manager said. "We made a statement. I trust my players. I know he didn't do it. He is an honest player and I believe in what he is saying. He has not wasted any energy on it at all."
The Norwegian added: "Tonev needs games. He hasn't played for a long, long time. It's a problem with a lot of our players.
"But it was a good for him to play for an hour on Saturday and get a win."
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