It was thanks but no thanks from John Collins last night after the Celtic assistant manager was again tipped to be the SFA's new performance director.

Since Mark Wotte stepped down last month from his post, Ronny Deila's right-hand man had been touted as a potential successor to the Dutchman.

Even Wotte himself backed the former Scotland international as a prime candidate to take over the role at Hampden, while Hoops manager Deila having previously issued a hands-off plea to Hampden bosses.

However, while Collins is grateful for being mentioned by the man he worked under at the SFA as a youth coach last year, he insists his place is at Celtic.

"It's nice of Mark Wotte to say that but I'm the Celtic assistant manager," he said. "I'm very, very happy here and it wouldn't interest me at this stage.

"There's no-one that springs to mind for me right now, but I'm sure they'll be scouring the country and Europe. It has to be a football person, 100% without a doubt."

As much as Collins was flattered at the suggestion of becoming the SFA's performance director, he has much more pressing matters on his hands.

Celtic are preparing to go up against Salzburg tomorrow night in the Europa League with a win guaranteeing progress into the knockout stages.

Advancing in the competition beyond Christmas could be lucrative in more than one way for the Parkhead club.

As well as bringing in cash from different avenues, Collins is of the belief the incentive of European football will be a big attraction for potential signings.

In fact, the Celtic assistant reckons it is their biggest asset.

He said: "It is vitally important that we qualify. If we are looking for players in January and next summer, they will want to play in Europe.

"Good players want to be involved in the Champions League and Europa League. They don't just want to play domestic football. So it is really important that we qualify.

"Is it our biggest selling point? Yeah, it's very difficult to get top players if you are not in Europe."

Regarding tomorrow night's opposition, Collins added: "Salzburg are a good team. They play some high tempo football and love to press.

"They are probably one of the best - if not the best - pressing team in Europe.

"They don't give you a second on the ball and are always looking to pass forward It will be a new challenge for us.

"It's something we don't get in Scotland. Most teams sit off us here, so it is the exact opposite."

Collins is confident Jason Denayer, the club's on-loan centre-half, will be able to play despite the ankle injury he suffered against Dundee on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Celtic's Development Squad drew 1-1 with Everton at Goodison in their first English Premier League International Cup tie.

Filip Twardzik got the goal for Stevie Frail's side.