Bren’s rules for starlets in Scotland
From Back Page League player or be the best you can be, your talent is not enough.
“You need to prepare in every facet of your life to be a player.
“There’s talent here in Scotland, no question about that. There are players with ability.
“And they have every chance now to be a footballer. Are they going to take it? Or will they, when it gets a wee bit tough, look for the easy way?
“I’ve witnessed one or two up here with big talents but, when it gets tough, they go the other way.
“Do they eat the right things? Do they lead the life of a footballer? That is the main thing.
“The biggest thing is responsibility. I have spoken to enough players and they blame everybody else.
“They blame the coach, they blame never getting the chance. They don’t take responsibility. It’s everyone else’s fault.
“I have told the kids at Celtic: You have every tool here in order to be the best player. You need to commit to it.
“We will have a plan for you to get into the first team but the crown is on your head.
“You’re the king of you’re own destiny. You’re responsible for it.
“Stop taking shortcuts, stop blaming everyone else and get on with being an elite player.
“If you fall short of an excellent level, you’ll still have a career.”
Rodgers believes the dedication of Murray is the template. He added: “What an example that boy is. Unbelievable.
“When he started everyone said he wasn’t strong enough. So what did he do? Changes his diet, gets stronger, devotes his life to it.
“It’s not the glitz and the glamour with Andy, it’s about being the best he can be.
“When you have that mentality, as a footballer and a football nation, you are part of the way there. Then if you have talent, which the country will still clearly have, then you have a chance.
“Worst-case scenario, you’re going to be athletes.”