Parkhead winger wants Brown to forget Dons link and stay put

JAMES FORREST has pleaded with Scott Brown to stay at Celtic for at least another season after the Parkhead captain was linked with a player-coaching role at Aberdeen.

Former Dons and Hibernian midfielder Stephen Glass is the front-runner for the vacant managerial position at Pittodrie after Derek McInnes’ departure last week.

Glass is believed to be keen on making Brown his assistant — if the current Atlanta United 2 boss is named Aberdeen’s new manager — as well as recruiting England’s striker coach Allan Russell.

The Celtic skipper’s deal runs out this summer, when the club are expected to make dramatic changes after their bid to win 10 in a row was shattered as Rangers stormed to the Premiership title.

Glass is a former team-mate of Brown at Hibs and luring him to the north east would end his 14-year stay at Celtic, who are seeking a new boss after Neil Lennon’s exit.

But Parkhead winger Forrest believes Brown has the ability to play for another campaign as Celtic aim to reclaim the title next season.

‘I think everybody involved at the club — players and staff — wants him to stay,’ said Forrest.

‘With everything he has achieved here, he is such a big part of Celtic. On and off the park he has been unbelievable.

‘We were talking about numbers and if you look at his you will see they are right up there with the very fittest players and he never misses training.

‘So yes, it would be good if he stayed here for another year. He has been important to us for so long.

‘I can see him playing here for another year and then it is about how he feels with his body. The way he is playing just now he is good for another year.

‘In terms of the other side of it, I think Scott has always been a coach on the pitch anyway. And off, too, for that matter.

‘It is up to him to determine his future but you could definitely see him going on to be a coach and a manager.’

Forrest, who returned to the Celtic team during last week’s goalless draw at Dundee United after a five-month lay-off following ankle surgery, has played with Brown since his breakthrough 11 years ago.

‘Since I came through I have always trained and played alongside Broony, so it would feel really strange if he wasn’t here,’ added the 29-year-old.

‘He is the only player who has been here since the very start for me and has been a big part in my career.’