Rodgers praise as Scott fights through pain
SCOTT BROWN hobbled out of Glasgow Airport after Celtic’s European trip to Trondheim.
Having battled his way through the recurrence of an Achilles injury to inspire success over Rosenborg, the skipper was in pain.
For most normal individuals Brown’s next journey would be to the treatment room. At the very least to consult with the medical staff about how long he might be out. But at this crucial stage of the season Brown’s only interest is the next battle.
The captain sets the example. His drive won’t be curtailed by pain. His influence won’t be lessened by discomfort.
When Brown’s makes his 100th European appearance against AEK Athens next week, he’ll be at the forefront of the Celtic charge. That’s partly down to his attitude, his refusal to buckle.
But Brendan Rodgers sees another aspect to the mentality. The realisation that at the age of 33 his skipper doesn’t want to waste a single moment left in his career.
The Parkhead boss said: “Scott’s had an issue with his Achilles but he’s fine. He’ll soldier on like he does and play himself out of it.
“Sometimes players work better when they’re in rhythm. He had exactly the same thing this time last year so it’s just a case of getting through it over these next two to three weeks.
“He’s a wonderful leader. To play that number of games you’ve got to be available, so it’s a great testament to how he looks after himself. Scott has made himself available for all these games.
“He is wonderful example for c.swan@dailyrecord.co.uk all our players and is getting recognised now for the great career he has had and is having.
“His leadership qualities, drive and hunger to play are admirable. Scott just has this in-built love of football.
“You get to that stage in your career where you know you’re not 21 or 22 and the brain starts to talk to you a little bit more. You recognise that you need to maximise every time you train and every time you play.
“He’s a mature guy now and appreciates it a lot more. He is just embracing it all. He has been brilliant in my time here. I’m so proud he’s captain of this club.”
Brown’s leadership has been central to Celtic’s progression to the group stage of the Champions League in the past couple of years and there’s nothing to suggest this term’s hat-trick bid is any different.
Various players have taken the headlines from match to match yet Brown remains the constant.
Rodgers will depend on his main man against AEK, even if right now he’s not entirely sure what to expect from Greeks.
He said: “We obviously have a
CRAIG SWAN