Brown — We want to go and beat second place at Ibrox

The Govan club returned to the top flight at the start of this season after financial problems led to them re-emerging in the bottom tier of Scottish football in 2012, and have had to work in the shadow of the champions.

Under Brendan Rodgers, who took over from Ronny Deila in the summer, Celtic have sailed 16 points clear of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership with a game in hand.

The Parkhead side are also unbeaten in 23 domestic matches since the start of the season and have won their last 14 league games ahead of the final fixture of the year.

When asked if he had missed going to Ibrox, Brown, 31, said: “Yes and no.

“It’s been enjoyable when they’ve not been here but you always want to go to Ibrox and beat second place in the league.

“We know we are a good team and if we go there and turn up, we can create chances and score goals. “It’s about how we play on the day.” The midfielder played for Scotland against Georgia at Ibrox in a European Championship qualifier in 2014 and said, tongue in cheek: “I got applauded for once, I might get applauded again.”

While he is keen for Celtic to keep their good run going, he is relaxed about the possibility of defeat. “It wouldn’t be the end of the world,” he said. “We are a few points clear and we have to go there and enjoy the occasion.

“We want to continue the run for as long as we possibly can.

“It’s going to be hard going to Ibrox but we have to just believe in ourselves and try to get the three points.”

Brown’s boss Rodgers is also full of confidence his side can make a statement at Ibrox.

He said: “I expect a very tough game, an intense game, a great battle I’m sure.

“We arrive into the game knowing we average three goals away from home in the league so far, so it points to us going into the game with a big confidence but we understand and respect it is a difficult game.”

CELTIC skipper Scott Brown reminded Rangers of their place in the Ladbrokes Premiership as he prepared for his first Hoops game at Ibrox in four years.