BROWN Rangers not even 2nd best

Skipper taunts Celtic’s Old Firm rivals ahead of clash

SCOTT BROWN last night taunted rivals Rangers by insisting the Ibrox side aren’t even second best in Scotland.

The Celtic skipper, speaking at the club’s new kit launch, is gearing up to clinch the Premiership title against their fierce foes at Parkhead on Sunday.

Gers currently sit second but Brown insists it’s Hibs who have provided the

toughest test for his side this season.

Celtic were denied the title after losing at Easter Road last weekend and the Hoops captain believes Neil Lennon’s outfit are the best of the rest.

When asked if Rangers were the second strongest team in the country, Brown said: “No. Hibs are.

“They came up from the Championship and have shown everyone how good they can be.

“They have a top-quality manager, a good young team. If they can keep that together who knows what they can do?

“They definitely have given us our toughest games this season.

“They play good football but are up for the battle.

“The two strikers are playing really well together, they understand how each other play.”

Brown relished the Scottish Cup stroll against Rangers earlier this month as Celts stuck four past their rivals at Hampden.

He is determined to stage a rerun to make it seven in a row on Sunday and insists it doesn’t matter what Gers bring to the party at Parkhead.

Brown said: “It’s always all about Celtic.

“If we turn up, we play, we reach our best, we beat Rangers – no problem.”

But he is wary of a Hampden backlash and added: “Rangers will have a point to prove, especially with the semi-final result and everything that has been happening since.

“They will want to come after us and try to put us under pressure.

“But we have top-quality players who can cope and play through it.”