Brown’s off day
Britain Football Soccer - Aberdeen v Celtic - Scottish League Cup Final - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland - 27/11/16 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Scott Brown celebrate winning the final with the trophy Action Images via Reuters / Pool Pic Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Scott Brown has had one bad game- away to Hearts in the title clincher.
The Celtic boss was amazed that his skipper never made the shortlist for the SPFA Player of the Year Award but has no complaints about the contribution of the midfielder.
At times last season Brown looked washed out but a change of manager, some fresh ideas and extra responsibility have worked wonders with Celtic on course for the treble.
“I don’t know how he was last year, but consistently over 50 games this season, he has been a top performer,” Rodgers told The Sun.
“He has had one bad game, Hearts away, and every other game he was eight out of ten, nine out of ten.
“You talk about influence and you judge people in the big pressure games. How many times have you seen the influence of Scott Brown?
“Minimum, he is worthy of a nomination. I respect you can only nominate a certain number, but this is a guy whose level has been just unbelievable throughout the season.”
Brown is suspended for Celtic’s next two matches against St Johnstone and Aberdeen giving Rodgers the opportunity to try out different partnerships in the heart of midfield.
Eboue Kouassi is likely to feature in those matches with Stuart Armstrong another option allowing Tom Rogic to start a match in behind Leigh Griffiths.
Despite winning the league and securing a cup final place Rodgers has no intention of easing up with Celtic four matches away from completing their league campaign unbeaten.