Brown has been a great favourite with fans at Easter Road

The 21-year-old had a written transfer request rejected at the weekend.

Collins told the Edinburgh Evening News: "I think Scott has made an unfortunate decision but we are now focused on Saturday's game at Rangers.

"Scott is a good boy, a terrific professional and I expect things to carry on as normal."

Brown and club captain Kevin Thomson signed long-term contracts in March but their recently-appointed agent, Willie McKay, has launched a very public campaign to improve their terms.

And Brown, who has scored five goals this season, handed in a letter asking to made available for transfer after Saturday's 2-1 win over Dundee United.

"Football players do their talking out on the pitch and I expect Scott to continue showing that wonderful attitude he has," added Collins.

"The transfer request was obviously on his mind as it had been prepared with his agent the day before but he managed to put in a performance and show his usual winning attitude, fighting for every ball."

Brown is under contract until 2009, while Thomson, 23, is tied up until 2010.