BROWN’S STILL ONE TO WATCH
Jig fears veteran will rise to big occasion
Old rival Lee McCulloch fully expects Scott Brown to lead Celtic into Hampden battle against his Hearts team.
The Tynecastle assistant coach is a huge admirer of the Parkhead captain who was his title foe and Glasgow derby opponent for five seasons between 2007 and 2012.
And he is convinced that Neil Lennon will turn to his tried- and- trusted skipper in an attempt to secure an unprecedented quadruple Treble.
During his opposition analysis, McCulloch has seen Brown substituted early against St Johnstone, AC Milan, Sparta Prague and Hibs then benched for Kilmarnock and Lille.
All of that has contributed to a feeling that Brown’s influence is on the wane at the age of 35.
McCulloch knows all about withering judgment being passed on an Old Firm star in his veteran years.
He was in the f iring line as his decorated Rangers career wound down amid much personal criticism.
But Jig believes Brown will be a hard man for Hearts to overcome back on the
National Stadium stage today. When asked if he anticipated Brown lining up against the Jambos, the ex- Rangers midfielder said: “Yes, I certainly do. “The experience he has, the prizes he has won in his career … he has shown a tremendous mentality throughout and I am certainly not doubting him.
“The amount of times when I have seen Celtic take a slight dip, in whatever season, it would always be Scott who would put himself up there at the front to get shot at.
“And nine times out of 10 for what seems like an age he has come through with flying colours.
“When you get to Broony’s age, if you make one bad pass or do something wrong – suddenly you’re too old.
“You’ve lost it, your legs have gone and it’s ‘Get the young ones in’. I know because I’ve been there.
“But Scott will have a big part to play, not just in the final but also in the rest of the season.”
McCulloch twice lifted the famous trophy when Rangers edged out Queen Of The South in 2008 and Falkirk the following year. Now he’s the underdog hel p ing Robbie Neilson plot what would be a huge shock.
And the r e ’ s no shortage of big match and Hampden experience to help the Championship leaders.
Forme r Ce l t ic keeper Craig Gordon and McCul loch’s old Ibrox team-mate Steven Naismith are touted as key figures. McCulloch said: “These guys have played at a ridiculously high standard for club and country. “Mike Smith and
Liam Boyce are current internationals. Jamie Walker has 48 goals for a club the size of Hearts.
“We have match-winners and just hope we all turn up on the day.
“When I got the chance to join Robbie at the club, I looked at the squad and the player that leapt out was Naisy.
“He has been an absolute credit to himself. I’ve always got on well with him.
“He’s supremely hard-working but so well grounded despite everything he has done in the game.
“He helps me so much because he’s brilliant with the young guys in the team as well. He’s probably the one on the pitch who does the most talking.
“He’s a dream to work with and it speaks volumes that, after everything he’s achieved, he’s still hungry for more.”
Naismith wi l l be charged with helping Hearts break down a Celtic defence that has looked ropey during a rotten run that has piled pressure on boss Lennon.
However, McCulloch suggests that the Celtic forwards have contributed to the downfall.
He said: “We’ve watched them a lot this season, studied them, and the amount of chances Celtic are creating is ridiculous.
“Their manager will come out and tell you that – and Lennon is someone I have massive respect for.
“They just cannot get the ball in the net enough. And sometimes when that happens, your back three or four are under pressure.
“You start conceding silly goals, like from set-pieces.
“But we are certainly not buying into the thinking the majority of players who’ve won the last nine championships al l of a sudden cannot play football any longer.”
McCulloch was speaking at an event organised by
Wi l l iam H i l l , proud sponsor of the
Scottish Cup