Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BROWN TO BUSINESS
Mulgrew relishing clash with Celts skipper
LINFIELD captain Jamie Mulgrew is relishing the prospect of taking on his Celtic counterpart Scott Brown in tomorrow’s eagerly awaited Champions League clash at Windsor Park.
Mulgrew, a veteran of European campaigns with the Irish League outfit, is a huge Rangers fan but ahead of the second round qualifying tie has paid Celtic skipper Brown the ultimate compliment by suggesting he may be the best player he has ever faced in a midfield battle.
Earlier in the week it seemed as though Scotland star Brown was struggling to make the Windsor encounter after taking a knock to his achilles during
Celtic’s 9-0 hammering of Shamrock Rovers in Dublin on Saturday, but he has said that he should be fit and ready for Bel- fast. Mulgrew, who has won two Northern Ireland caps, is a hugely influential figure for the Blues and was one of the main reasons why Linfield won a domestic treble last season. Having scored against Hearts in a weekend friendly, the 31-year-old knows he faces a mighty test against Brown and Celtic, but is up for the challenge.
“Celtic were the Invincibles last season. They will be looking to repeat that and get into the group stages of the Champions League again and in Scott Brown they have the best midfielder in Scotland,” said Mulgrew.
“Last season I think the Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers revitalised Scott Brown. He was at his best and this season he will be looking for more of the same. “I’ve played against some really good players in Europe with Linfield, but I’d say Scott
Brown would be one of the best I’ve co m e up against. He is the captain of Celtic, has won many caps for Scotland and is obviously an excellent player. It will be great to face him.”
Mulgrew is also looking forward to meeting Rodgers for the first time.
“I am a big Rangers fan but he is someone I admire,” said Mulgrew.
“He is very professional so I’m sure he won’t take us lightly. The way he turned things around at Celtic last season was incredible. To go unbeaten in domestic football is some achievement.
“We all watch Celtic on TV on European nights and everyone says they are extra special so it’s fantastic for us to be able to play in a big arena like Parkhead. It’s lifetime memories at our level.
“It’s what we play football for and why we play for
Linfield to experience these big occasions.”