Brown: I can stay at the top for years

CELTIC skipper Scott Brown believes Brendan Rodgers’ fitness regime could add at least two more seasons to his top-flight career.

The midfielder, 31, was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Year on Friday – an achievement celebrated with an energetic display at Firhill in midweek as the treble-chasing Hoops cruised to a 5-0 win against Partick.

That left them just one game away from a remarkable unbeaten league season.

Brown, who has been at the club for 10 years, chased down substitute keeper Mark Ridgers in added time – something he puts down to the demands set by Rodgers since his arrival last summer.

Ahead of today’s visit of Hearts, where Brown will be presented with the league trophy, the Scotland captain said: “I spoke to the gaffer when he first came and he asked how long he thought I could keep playing.

“I thought, ‘Great question’. And I was thinking maybe two years at the highest level.

“Now I’m thinking I can go three, four years easily.

“We’re a lot fitter than we’ve ever been, scoring more goals and creating more chances. We look like a right good team.

“It’s more intense training – short, sharp when it needs to be. It’s been enjoyable this season but it’s been really hard. There has been dedication from everyone.”

Premiership Manager of the Season Rodgers believes Brown can enjoy the longevity of fellow Scots Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister.

He said: “I said to him if you look after your body then you can go on until you are 35 minimum – and maybe even as far as Gordon, who played until he was about 40.”

Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha, meanwhile, has told his team they must improve when they face “long-ball” experts St Johnstone today (kick-off 12.30pm).

The Light Blues were heading for a third draw against Tommy Wright’s side this season in early March before Emerson Hyndman netted a late winner.

That was before Caixinha took over.

Ahead of today’s final Premiership game of the season, Caixinha said: “I expect the same that we see from them all the time – a very strong team on long balls, a very strong team on second balls.

“A team that waits for some sort of mistake to get a quick transition and quick counter-attack.

“So we need to be clever.”