Strach: He’s left a legacy for Scots next gen

GORDON STRACHAN today predicted Scott Brown’s influence will continue to be felt in the Scotland set-up during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Strachan was devastated when the Celtic skipper told him he was retiring from international football after winning 50 caps earlier this month.

The 31-year-old midfielder won’t be involved in the national team’s bid to reach

the Russia 2018 finals when it gets underway with a match against Malta away next month.

The Scotland boss is set to ask Darren Fletcher, the West Brom midfielder, if he will take over from his former team-mate in the important role.

However, he believes that “Broonie” has left behind a lasting legacy which his country will continue to benefit from for years to come. Strachan said: “When I was a young pro, the best lessons I ever learned were from watching good pros.

“What did Kenny Dalglish do in the afternoon? He’s away to his bed. Right, I’ll have a bit of that. Or, that guys drinks a bit of water, I’ll have a bit of that.

“You pick up real good stuff from these guys. Guys like Brown have set good standards over the last three or four years.

“I think Scott came to training at times when we knew he wasn’t fit, but he knew as a captain that’s what you do, you get out there.

“He’s had to deal with injuries for a couple of years now and he’s set those standards on and off the pitch and maybe it’s hampered him in the long run. Now he’s going to get a nice break. He goes into the ‘mate’ category now, now I’m not his manager.”

Meanwhile, Strachan has expressed the hope that Charlie Mulgrew, who has been left out of the 23-man Scotland squad for the Russia 2018 qualifier, will get a new club in the coming week and be available for selection in the near future.

Mulgrew was unable to agree an extension to his contract with Celtic after his deal expired in the summer and he hasn’t played a game so far in the 2016/17 campaign. The versatile player has been a favourite of Strachan’s in the past and featured regularly during the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

“I spoke to Charlie last night and he understands totally,” he said. “He didn’t play many games at the end of last season. I told him what he needs to do. Hopefully he’ll get something sorted out in the next week or two.”