Walker and Brown have finally buried the hatchet
ANDY WALKER says his spat with Celtic skipper Scott Brown is at an end.
The former Hoops striker was an outspoken critic of the midfielder and Parkhead manager Ronny Deila last season.
His hard- hitting views prompted Brown to hit back at Walker when Celtic clinched the title last term.
Ever ything has changed this season, as Walker is happy to admit.
He said: “I struck a nerve with Scott.
“I called him out for his fitness and he wasn’t fit. He couldn’t get round the pitch against Rangers in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final and that was one of the reasons why Celtic lost.
“Now that he’s fit, he just looks a totally different player.
“I don’t think he has ever played better. It’s controlled, it’s measured. I am really impressed, and Scott deserves all the praise coming his way.
“I spoke to him just very recently, and said that I couldn’t believe how much praise I am giving him in commentary.
“He said it was long overdue. So he’s probably right!”
Walker admires the way Brown is leading this all- conquering Celtic side.
“You get to the age he’s at (he’ll be 32 in June), and you realise you’ve only got a few years left.
“You can see him passing on remarks to younger players. You can see him organising things.
“He’s a much more mature player
now, and it’s not the reckless Scott Brown getting involved in any challenges.”
Brown’s revival is another clear sign of the way Brendan Rodgers has shaken up Celtic from top to bottom.
Walker said: “I think it’s totally down to the manager.
“Players will always tell you that they are behind the manager. I’m not sure that was the case when Ronny Deila was there.
“I think Scott Brown needed Brendan Rodgers.
“Now, if he was involved in a similar incident to the one last year where he was pictured eating a pizza in the street, he wouldn’t play.
“That would also give him a right shock.
“Ronny Deila, on the other hand, just put him straight back in the team. That told you everything.”
Walker is sure Celtic can win today’s Old Firm match, and sees no reason why they can’t have an unbeaten domestic campaign.
He said: “It can be one of those seasons that just won’t come round again.
“As much as Celtic don’t speak about it publicly, the idea of going through the whole season undefeated is very realistic.
“You’d imagine Rangers would improve next year, while Aberdeen are always solid.
“But I don’t think they’ve had a great season.
“I think they’re down on their performances of last term.
“Derek McInnes will have a very realistic goal of being better than Rangers again next season, which will be a tall order, but I think they are capable of it.”
Pundit Andy Walker.