BEST IF SCOTT SITS THIS OUT
STEPHEN GLASS hopes Scott Brown doesn’t start at Pittodrie tonight because he still rates him as one of Celtic’s best.
The Hoops captain has signed a pre-contract with Aberdeen and will move north as a player-coach in the summer.
Brown could face his future employers tonight and Glass doesn’t know if interim Celtic boss John Kennedy will play him or take him out the firing line.
But the new Dons gaffer said: “I don’t want their best players playing and Scott is one of them.
“I would be delighted if he sat at the side but they have a very good group of players anyway.
“They have people desperate to show they should be the next Scott Brown at the club.
“I do know if he does play what he will offer the team. I know what his mentality will be.”
Glass spoke to Brown after Celtic’s Old Firm defeat on Sunday but insisted nothing was said about tonight’s fixture.
He said: “Scott is the ultimate professional, that is why we want him here.
“He can look John Kennedy in the eyes and say we haven’t talked about the game, shape or anything.
“Scott has been respectful from the start and it is important he feels no pressure on him from this side of the fence.”
Celtic’s season is over after that Cup defeat to Rangers but the Dons still have plenty to play for.
A Cup quarter-final with Dundee United looms on Sunday and a win tonight is crucial to their hopes of catching Hibs in third place.
Glass said: “You prioritise the one coming. We know if we win the Cup then you get into the furthest stage of Europe so that is the biggest incentive if you like.
“But we will put out as strong a team as possible against Celtic.”
Aberdeen twice came from behind in the Cup against Livingston and midfielder Dean Campbell insists that has been a big boost to morale.
He said: “We’re looking to play attacking football while also focusing on keeping the ball out of our net. It’s just about getting that balance.”