Evergreen – pardon the pun – skipper, Scott Brown, was in front of the press this week following the 3-2 win over Livingston at the weekend as he saw his side go within touching distance of a return to the top spot.
He remains a pivotal player for Neil Lennon and, despite being the elder statesman in the engine room, has been getting no special treatment from the gaffer when talking about squad rotation, as reported by The Daily Record:
“That’s what the squad is good for. The manager can rotate it, give people rests now and then, but it’s up to him based on what he thinks is the best team for that particular moment in time.
“Myself and the gaffer speak about everything, and he will ask how I feel.
“I feel good just now and I will keep maintaining my fitness, and try not to get injured.
“I’ll get another rest during the international break and that’s always good.
“But let’s get off of me and talk about the team.”
Since Brown retired from international duty, he is able to play more regularly at club level knowing that a break is just around the corner, Lennon has also started to take him off in games when his side is in command knowing that he has the likes of David Turnbull or Oivier Ntcham capable of dropping deeper to support Callum McGregor.
Should Brown sit out more often?
Yes
No
The shift to a 3-5-2 formation also allows more protection for the former Scotland skipper with a reduced requirement to support the attack and additional cover behind him, should he get caught ahead of the ball.
He may not have the legs that he used to have but his footballing brain and organisational skills remain a key component of Lennon’s teams, but he knows that he has Turnbull nipping at his heels should his standards begin to slip.