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JOHN COLLINS last night admitted Celtic’s hopes of hanging on to Virgil van Dijk rest on their Champions League fate.

The in-demand Dutchman is on the radar of several top English clubs and Everton boss Roberto Martinez has joined the race for the classy centre half.

The Hoops chances of keeping the 24-year-old hinge on reaching the groups stages with Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag up in the second qualifying round first leg at Celtic Park tomorrow night.

Collins is not even contemplating the doomsday scenario of failing to get to the join the big boys but he knows the Parkhead club will have their work cut out persuading van Dijk to remain in Scotland if they fail to make it.

The Celts No.2 said: “I am not surprised there is talk about Virgil. When you are a good player there is going to be speculation.

“It’s another club mentioned today, I am sure there will be another next week.

“He’s a Celtic player.

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“Would it be difficult to keep him if we don’t make the Champions League? Probably. But hopefully we won’t have to deal with that scenario.

“Virgil trains very well and is fully focused. He’s 24 now and has matured. He understands. There’s been plenty of talks with Virgil.

“He has to focus on what he can control – his training and his performances.”

Collins reckons the Champions League is a huge draw to players and it can raise van Dijk’s game to the next level.

He said: “For me the biggest competition in the world is the Champions League. That’s where every player wants to play, every coach wants to coach and every supporter wants to be.

“It’s the biggest and best. You are up against the best players and coaches in the world.

“It’s exciting for everyone involved.

“If you are a centre half playing in the Champions League you are up against the best forwards in the world.

“It’s a great challenge and if you do well in the Champions League it puts you on a different level.

“People look at you in a different light if you are taking care of top class strikers.

“There is also the financial part of the story of course.”

Collins wants van Dijk to stay but he also refused to rule out further new arrivals checking in at Parkhead.

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Hoops boss Ronny Deila is on the search for a left back to rival Emilio Izaguirre while he is facing a fitness sweat over Charlie Mulgrew who starred in that role against Stjarnan last week.

Utility man Mulgrew picked up a knock in the 2-0 friendly win against Rennes at the weekend and did not train yesterday.

Collins said: “Charlie has been playing very well so he would be a big loss if he doesn’t make it.

“He’s such a versatile player for us.

“We have a good healthy squad. But, like every manager or coach will tell you, it can always get better.

“You always look at players to improve each department. It’s not easy. Obviously there are financial constraints but there are also good players at the club so it’s not always easy to get better ones in.

“Time will tell if we bring any more in.”