Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes captain Scott Brown will play a big part in this week’s matches against Aberdeen and Rangers, despite sitting out yesterday’s win over Dundee.
Brown was unusually an unused substitute in the 3-0 victory over the Dees, although the manager has insisted his lack of game time was simply down to managing his fitness ahead of the most important few days of league action so far this season.
The Hoops travel to Pittodrie before a mammoth derby at Ibrox, with both matches having a big say on who leads the Scottish Premiership heading into the new year.
Rodgers is delighted to have Brown back just in time, telling The Scottish Sun:
There is no doubt that in the big games, Scott makes the big contribution. That is why he has played 500-odd times for Celtic. He is an important player for weeks like this. He came back at a good time.
He was able to come in and contribute in the Betfred Cup final win over Aberdeen. Then really it is just a case of managing him through some of the games to make sure he is at game speed for this last week.
The emergence of Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie as the team’s outstanding midfield talents in recent months has given the Hoops boss plenty to think about with regards to his team selections, with Brown missing out plenty since his return from injury.
Plenty have speculated about the veteran’s status in the Celtic squad but it seems that he’ll be as important as ever when Rodgers calls upon him to lead the team through our upcoming tests.
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