GREAT SCOTT
Rodgers backing Brown— but will seek clarity over his Scots U-turn
BRENDAN RODGERS expects Scott Brown to revisit the issue of international retirement with him after sealing a shock return to Scotland service for the crucial clash against England at Wembley a week on Friday.
The Celtic manager admitted he was taken aback by his skipper speaking to him in midweek about plans to represent his country again.
Rodgers gave the decision his blessing and left the meeting full of admiration for Brown’s desire to help out Scotland and his former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan.
But Brown was cautioned over the cons as well as the positives of his World Cup U-turn, taken 70 days after he announced the intention to concentrate on a club career under new management.
Rodgers, speaking after his team’s 1-0 win at Aberdeen yesterday, said: ‘It’s been a short retirement! But we’ll see how it goes against England and take it from there. I was a bit surprised when Scott came into my office and wanted my thoughts on it. But he’s a grown man, he makes his own decisions. I’ll give him the advice and if it helps Scotland, then good.
‘I gave him what I thought were the positives for him — and what maybe the concerns would be. But I think it’s a great opportunity.
‘I told him that he’s always stood up for his country. I don’t know too many bad games he’s ever had, from any time I’ve seen him for Scotland.
‘I think it’s just for this game. He sees his country stuck with injuries and also a man he has huge admiration for, Gordon Strachan, going through the mill a bit.
‘The type of man that Scott is, he wouldn’t like to see people that he is loyal to stuck, and I totally respect that. He’s made himself available for this game, to help them out if he’s selected.
‘I’ll be at the game and I know Scotland will be a better team with Scott Brown playing in it.’