Skipper will fly the flag
ALAN MARSHALL
screaming at me after 20 minutes when I was pressing the goalie. He told me to get to right midfield and settle down. We were 2-0 down after eight minutes.
“We got through the group in the end so it was a good lesson. Gordon’s words that night were certainly an education for me.
“You learn as you go along. I’m a different player now to what I was back then. I joined Celtic as an attacking midfielder, running about and chasing. Gordon got that out of me, got me playing in a proper position which was better for the team than just for myself.
“The better players you play against, the more you raise your game. It’s great to play against some of the best in the world, to see their passing and awareness.”
Brown’s coy about reaching the century. If he stays fit, it could happen within the next 16 months.
Even if he didn’t have another, he wouldn’t go short of memories. The Real game remains a dream as he said: “I would like a kick at a few of them! That would be great.
“We played them in a friendly in 2012. But I was meeting up with Scotland a couple of days later and the Real game was in Philadelphia.”
Andrea Pirlo, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi. Brown’s hounded them all yet one stands out as he said: “Iniesta. The way he receives the ball, comes deep, drives at you, is impressive. His feet are amazing. He runs at you with pace and plays one-twos.
“It is like you’re not even there. When he is playing around you, you think you are getting close to him and then his pace takes him away from you. He has done that against the best players in the world. It shows you the quality he has.
“It is good to get into it and play against them. Hopefully this team can get there.
“I am not saying we are going to get to the same SCOTT BROWN has been handed the honour of unfurling the league flag against Hearts on the first day of the season.
The Celtic captain is celebrating 10 years at Parkhead and admits he has been “humbled” by the opportunity.
Brown has enjoyed a decade of success in the Hoops, claiming seven Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
Now he will open season 2017-18 – his testimonial year – by unfurling the flag at Celtic Park on August 5 after accepting the invitation from chairman Ian Bankier.
Brown told Celtic’s website: “It is very humbling to be asked to unfurl the league flag on such a great day for the club and I thank our chairman for giving me this great honour.
“We had an incredible season last year, reaching six-in-a-row, winning the Treble and managing to go unbeaten domestically.
“The level of determination throughout the team was phenomenal. I’m so proud of all my team-mates for the level of commitment they showed.”
Bankier added: “We thought it very appropriate that Scott was given this honour particularly as he marks his 10th anniversary here and testimonial year.
“In that period, Scott has given everything to Celtic. He has served this club with distinction and has been a wonderful captain.
“Last season epitomised our captain, he was the leader, the driving force behind a team which delivered a truly memorable campaign.”
Brown is targeting even more success in the new season and said: “We will give the same level of commitment and again aim to bring our fans as much success as we possibly can.
“Celtic has been my home for the last 10 years and it has been a huge honour to serve and captain our great club.”