Brown ‘could manage Hoops’, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic skipper Scott Brown could join the list of Hoops players who became manager of the club.

The Northern Irishman picked up the Ladbrokes Premiership manager of the year award at Lennoxtown after guiding Celtic to their seventh consecutive title and with the promise of an unprecedented successive domestic treble in Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup final against Motherwell at Hampden.

Beside him at the photo call was his 32-year-old skipper who was collecting the player of the year award from the competition sponsors.

Hoops boss Rodgers, who confirmed winger Patrick Roberts will return to Manchester City after his second loan spell, surveyed the prospect of Brown one day sitting in his chair.

“I don’t see any reason why not,” said Rodgers.

“His legs are still strong, he is still looking after himself and this season he has won everything, every award going, and he has more years left.

“But there is no doubt, if he wants to go down that route he will need to go away, do his qualifications and study and get his experiences.

“He has a great history here but he knows if he goes into management it is a different sport, you leave your medals and cups at the door as it is a different game.

“But I am sure that later in life that is something that he can head towards. The likes of Neil Lennon did it here, Billy Mcneill did it here and other players so I am sure he would like to follow in their footsteps.”

Brown, meanwhile, insists it will take more than Aberdeen counterpart Graeme Shinnie “to put me down” after recovering from the effects of another bruising tackle.

In the second half of the 1-0 win for the visitors on the final day of the season, Shinnie picked up a yellow card for a foul on Brown which left him hobbling.

The Celtic captain was seen having words following the final whistle with Shinnie who, speaking after the game about the challenges in the match, said: “What comes around goes around.”

In response, Brown, who picked up his Ladbrokes Premiership player of the year award at Lennoxtown, said: “It will take more than him to put me down. I had a wee chat, that was it.

“There has been a few attempts. People want to win. Graeme makes a late, late tackle and you can see why he is on 16-17 bookings this season.”

Picture: SNS. Scott Brown with his player of the year award.