Rodgers calls captain the ‘complete footballer’

BRENDAN RODGERS hailed inspirational Scott Brown as his complete footballer and warned rivals that the Celtic captain has not finished improving under his management.

Brown, who took a summer break from Scotland then announced his international retirement, has been energised by concentrating on his club and the appointment of Rodgers.

After watching the 31-year-old score the game’s only goal at Dens Park yesterday, Rodgers claimed that Brown’s influence on Celtic could extend to playing centre-half later in his career.

‘Scotty’s performance level and energy every single day is very inspiring for his teammates,’ said Rodgers.

‘He has shown in the past week what a really top player he is. On Wednesday, he played against some of the top midfielders in the world, one of the top teams in Europe and he dominated the midfield.

‘He started the move here against Dundee and then arrived into the box with a great finish. From the outside looking in, I always saw him as one who could run.

‘Sometimes players get labelled with something and, if they’re told it often enough, then they think they just run. But he can play football. He has a wonderful touch and has such awareness.

‘He’s highly gifted technically. Tactically, he has really impressed

me. Physically, you can see he’s super-strong and super-fit, and he’s a tough guy mentally.

‘He is playing at the top of his game and I think he will get better.

‘I said when I met him that, hopefully, I can help his game and improve him as a player.

‘I do think there are elements that will improve.

‘And, having worked with him now, I think he can play centre-half. As a No 2 centre-half and as a controlling midfielder.

‘That will help him play for longer and impose his great qualities on the team.

‘He is a complete footballer. If you’re looking for a midfielder, he has everything you would want.’

Brown’s 47th-minute goal saw Celtic avoid a third successive scoreless draw against Paul Hartley’s team.

Those struggles of last season have been left behind in the blistering start to life under Rodgers, which Brown says has lifted him and the entire playing squad.

‘Comparing this season to last season, it’s been night and day,’ he said.

‘We feel good and that’s all coming from the gaffer. I hope I can improve working with him but it’s not just me. We are all learning under him. We all have belief and that wasn’t there last season.

‘We had 0-0s at Dens and even at Celtic Park. Our play was slow. But we press high now. We are trying to play like Man City. It’s intense from start to finish and we will get fitter.’