Brown (left) believes Collins can be a great manager

"I'd say to John 'be your own man and stick to the principles you adhere to'," Brown told BBC Sport.

"When you start to compromise I think you're lost. And I don't think John Collins is a guy who will compromise.

"The situation surprises me. Looking in from the outside and knowing John Collins as I do, I'd say he has all the attributes to be a top manager."

Interview: Former Scotland manager Craig Brown

Collins, capped 58 times for Scotland, steered Hibs to CIS Cup glory on 18 March, just five-and-a-half months into his first management job.

But, this week, a delegation of players are understood to have met with club chairman Rod Petrie to air grievances about their manager.

"I'm astonished," said Brown, who managed Collins at Euro '96 and the 1998 World Cup.

"He's already won a cup and Hibs are in the last four of the Scottish Cup.

"I've known John Collins for many years. He's a gentleman. He's determined but you have to be in management."

Reports suggest the disgruntlement derives from Collins' training methods and his demeanour.

"Even as a young player he was determined to do everything correctly.

It's always disappointing when things which should remain private are made public John Collins

"And I remember when he was at Monaco he told me they would beat Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals because they were the fitter team.

"The regime he was exposed to at Monaco is something he has continued personally.

"And, from what I hear, he's trying to instil that standard at Hibernian.

"I'm surprised there are question marks about his man-management skills.

"I was convinced he would be a terrific example to young players, a great motivator of young players and a great leader.

"That's my perception of John Collins as a man and as a coach.

"And you have to remember that he has an excellent, experienced coach with him in Tommy Craig.

"I know Tommy well from my Scotland Under-21 days and he's an outstanding coach and man-manager."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to the events at Easter Road

Collins, 39, has played down any rift that may have developed at the club.

He told the Edinburgh Evening News: "I'll have a chat with the players both collectively and individually and, from my perspective, anything said will remain within the dressing-room.

"It's always disappointing when things which should remain private are made public.

"it's unfortunate but the media love the headlines and make mountains out of molehills instead of focusing on the positives."

While making it clear he did not know the details of any player complaints, Brown urged the club to support Collins.

He added: "I think the chairman has to align himself with the manager and say 'look you're in charge - we appointed you to manage' and let him get on with it."