Over the last month it has become very fashionable to question Scott Brown’s value to Celtic.
As the goals flew in the role of the injured skipper was questioned, for the on-message less enlightened asking the Brown question was their response to Celtic’s resurgence in form.
On Sunday at Livingston the goals dried up, would having Brown in the centre of the park have made a difference?
The 33-year-old is expected to be available for next Saturday’s visit to Hamilton Accies, his experience will certainly be welcome five days later away to Rosenborg.
John Hartson never panicked at Celtic’s early season form and has no doubt that Brown will go straight back into Brendan Rodgers’ side.
“I have heard a few people say that they would be interested to see if Brown would really have to fight to get back into the starting line-up but for me he plays every day of the week,” the former Celtic striker told the Evening Times.
“He is the skipper, he is the leader and before he went out injured he was Scott Brown. The name itself is synonymous with Celtic at the minute.
“In recent seasons I think he is playing as well as he has ever played. There has been a bit of a resurgence in results and performance but if I am picking that team that Brown walks straight back in.
“The tempo at times without Brown has been good – but it has been good with him in there as well. There will be some people who will look to voice an opinion but for me personally you can’t discredit what he has brought to the team.
“He has been magnificent. He breaks up the team, he organises and he is one of the fittest players in the squad. He has great legs and he is a leader. It was the same in my time at Celtic with Neil Lennon – you really appreciated what he did when he wasn’t there.”
Brown’s last full appearance was on September 29 in the home win over Aberdeen.