BROONY EUROS U-TURN
Celts star open to cap comeback No.3 IF we qualify for 2020 finals
BY GARY RALSTON SCOTT BROWN is refusing to rule out a sensational Scotland comeback for the third time in his career.
The Celtic skipper is open to the prospect of a dark blues return if Steve Clarke guides the squad to the Euros in the TURN TO PAGE 79
FROM BACK PAGE summer. Brown, 34, made his startling admission as the Scots prepare today to discover their semi-final playoff opponent for a Hampden showdown in March.
If they win, they’ll play Norway or Serbia in the final and open up a route to their first major tournament since France 98.
Brown first retired from international football in August 2016, only to overturn his decision two months later.
He stepped down again in February 2018 after a heartto-heart with Alex McLeish to focus on prolonging his Hoops career.
Now he is contemplating one more swansong. Asked about a Scotland comeback, he said: “Football’s a funny game and you never know. I’m in a good place fitnesswise and in terms of my body I keep myself ticking over.
“The international breaks have been incredible for me – they’ve allowed me to go away and relax, play golf and recharge my batteries.
“I retired from international football to prolong my career. I don’t want to be that guy who keeps quitting and thinking he can come back.
“I’m going to be 35 soon and we’re very strong in the middle of the park – there are a lot of young lads in that area.
“It’s been hard for me to watch the games because you always want to be playing in them but I need to look after No.1.”
Pressed further if he’d make a summer comeback at the request of Clarke, Brown added: “They still have two games to get through but... you never say never. It’d be phenomenal to get to a finals after 22 years.
“It’s a regret of mine we never managed to get there.
“We came close against Norway in 2009. If big Chris Iwelumo stuck that chance away it would’ve made me a happy man but it wasn’t to be.”
Brown also called on the SPFL to help Scotland qualify by postponing matches at the end of March.
The SPFL say their hands are tied by a crowded calender and if the Old Firm are still involved in the Europa League it will only add to the difficulties.
Brown added: “I’m sure the SPFL and clubs will help Steve as much as possible.
“We need to play our strongest 11, so it all comes down to the SPFL now.”