Scottish Cup Final: All the best build-up from Hearts and Celtic
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hailed Scott Brown's "magnificent" response since being left out of the team, and has hinted that the midfielder could return to lead the team out in Sunday' s William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hearts. Brown has been an unused substitute as Celtic have won their last two games, with impressive youngsters Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull brought into their midfield.
The 35-year-old captain had started all but one of the previous 12 games, which yielded just two victories, and he has come in for some criticism from Celtic supporters.
Lennon now has a major decision to make as Celtic look to clinch the quadruple treble against Championship side Hearts at an empty Hampden on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’ s Sport sound programme last night, the Celtic manager said of Brown: "He's been fantastic, as you would expect. He's quite a unique individual. He has carried the
dressing room for a long, long time, through thick and thin.
"Even with him being left out of the team, his attitude has been magnificent and he's trying to galvanise everyone still."
Addressing whether Brown could return to his star ting XI in time to take on Hearts at Hampden this weekend, Lennon added: "At the end of the day, he's an icon of the club and a modern-day great, and he may have a chance of starting on Sunday.
"And I have been there when you are starting to come to the end of your career.
"It's tough, and you want to hang in there, and he has still got plenty to offer, there is no question of that, on and off the field."
Speaking earlier this week, Brown said he would love to be involved in the showpiece clash. "The Scottish Cup final means so much tome ,” he said ." I have so many great memories. The main ones are going up there and picking it up after the first treble [in 2017]. It was emotional with all the Celtic fans being there."