I don’t regret my decision. I’ll still go to Russia, only it will be as a supporter
T HE question has been asked by arguably the greatest player ever to pull on a Scotland shirt.
For Scott Brown, though, the answer remains the same. There are no regrets about his retirement from international football.
The Celtic captain will be a guest at tomorrow evening’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, the first Hampden international since he exited Gordon Strachan’s squad.
He will formally enter the Hall of Fame before the game when he is presented with his 50th cap. The one that proved to be his last.
Earned against Denmark in March, it was followed by five months during which time the 31-year-old listened to his body and pondered what to do next.
Resolving to concentrate solely on club football has drawn comment from some truly iconic figures. Kenny Dalglish, all 102 caps of him, this week expressed hope that Brown might live to rue stepping back from the scene.
It wasn’t meant with malice. But if Scotland were to reach their first major finals since France ’98, then wouldn’t anyone not on the journey feel a pang of remorse?
Brown insists not. He is adamant he would love nothing better than to cheer on his former colleagues from the stand if they were to grace one of the game’s most august arenas. His role now is as a supporter.
The 31-year-old insists he is already feeling the benefit of the extra time off during international weeks. If seeking evidence, a recent dynamic Champions League display against Manchester City could be held up as Exhibit A.
Indeed, withdrawing from Scotland duty is something Brown believes may yet help him play on until his 40th birthday.
‘I think it can extend my career by a good two or three years, at least,’ said Brown. ‘I feel fresh as a daisy, like I did when I was 25.
‘I’m back feeling strong and enjoying my football again and that’s why it was the right decision for me at the right time.
‘You don’t want to give up halfway through a campaign because it looks as though you are throwing in the towel.
‘If you do it at the start, it lets everyone know you are done and dusted and allows the gaffer to go and try other players.’
Pressed on how long his career might last, Brown added: ‘If I could go on and play until I am 40, I would be over the moon. It wouldn’t matter what league, or what division, I just enjoy being part of a dressing room and doing well.
‘If I am still doing that when I am 35, 36 or 37, I’ll be a lucky man.’
His sincere wish is to see Scotland end their exile from major tournaments during those coming years. Brown was part of five failed qualification campaigns before opting against the current push for Russia 2018.
‘I hope we do well, like anyone else does,’ he stressed. ‘I’m not the type to bad-mouth my team-mates or hope they do not get there.
‘I just really hope they go on and do it for themselves and for everyone and not have the disappointments I had in my Scotland career.
‘I’d be delighted if Scotland got to a major Finals. I would be there supporting them.
‘I’d be over the moon because we are all patriotic and I can remember how much it meant to everyone when we were at France 1998. It would be great if we could get back there.’
Brown’s positivity about his decision doesn’t mean it was an easy one to make. It will still feel strange to be without his boots when he enters Hampden for tomorrow’s vital match.
‘I’m collecting my 50th cap and having a wee presentation,’ added Brown. ‘Maybe even a free meal on the Scotland camp! I wouldn’t miss that.
‘Whatever Scotland decide to do, they decide. I’m not going to push anything. It’ll just be good to go along and see the game and see the lads and the gaffer as well.
‘It’s hard switching on the TV and you see the lads training and being together, while I’ve got my feet up in the house watching two dogs and two kids.
‘I was very nervous watching at the start of the game against Malta but I knew we’d be okay once Snoddy (Robert Snodgrass) whipped in that one that he really meant…
‘It’s tough that way and also because I enjoyed every single moment I spent with Scotland.’
The physical benefits of stepping back seem obvious. But Brown also feels a mental release that harness more energy for Celtic.
‘There is a lot of pressure on anyone who plays for Scotland, especially if it is a home game,’ he continued.
‘There is a lot of publicity, a lot of training, a lot of thinking that goes into the positional play with a lot of meetings, so it’s been good to chill out and relax.
‘I do miss meeting up with the lads and seeing Gordon (Strachan) because I enjoyed the training. It was just maybe one push too many.
‘It’s always going to be hard to play with your national team and coping with that expectation of winning every game at home.
‘Trying to get to a World Cup or a Euros is always on top of you and it’s draining, especially when you don’t make it and you have been
I miss the lads and Gordon but it was just one push too many
trying for 10 years. For me, going into games such as the recent one with Manchester City and knowing that I wouldn’t be going away for 10 days after it with the national team and being in hotels, it recharges you.
‘Plus, the intensity of the way we are playing at Celtic suits my game and it maybe wasn’t there as much last year.’
Brown clearly feels much reason for optimism for the future at club level under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. He will, however, always remain proud of his past with his country. Reaching a half-century of caps is not an feat he treats lightly.
‘You have people in there like Kenny Dalglish and Darren Fletcher, who is still doing it,’ said Brown.
‘It’s fantastic to be alongside those names in the Hall of Fame, even though I have just made it. I’m still there.’
●SCOTT BROWN was speaking to promote the start of Show Racism the Red Card’s annual fortnight of action. During this two-week period, all SPFL teams, as well as those in women’s and Junior leagues, will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and wider Scottish society.