Brendan: Liam pledge shows the real Broony
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Scott Brown’s decision to give the proceeds from his testimonial match to charity reveals a side to him supporters don’t normally see.
The Hoops skipper’s contribution to the club over the last decade is to be recognised with a game against a Republic of Ireland XI on May 20.
With Martin O’neill, one of Rodgers most- popular predecessors, bringing the visitors over, £ 1 million- plus is expected to be raised.
Those proceeds will go to causes close to the 32- year- old’s heart, one of which will be the family of Liam Miller.
Miller, who played for both Celtic and the Republic of Ireland, passed away last month aged just 36. It had earlier been announced he was suffering from pancreatic cancer.
“Scott goes into character on the field, but you take that away from him and he is a real caring man,” said Rodgers.
“He really is a different personality off the field than he is on it.
“You speak to guys who have come to us – the likes of Jonny Hayes – who would have known him from before and had this perception of him as a result.
“Then they come here and get to see him behind the scenes. They quickly realise he is a totally different person to the one they thought he was.
“Acts like this are a symbol of what Scott really is about. I think it is an incredible touch from him.”
The Celtic manager is also convinced that even at this later stage of his career, the midfielder still doesn’t get the credit his football ability merits.
“People try to talk him down, claim he is this type, that type or whatever,” he said.
“But his pass against Rangers for the second goal, well if that was Kevin De Bruyne or Steven Gerrard, then people would be raving about it.
“As it was, I heard it commented as: ‘A punt up the pitch’. De Bruyne plays it and it is an unbelievable pass.
“His testimonial is really well deserved and it will be a great day for him.”