IS BROWN UP TO MISCHIEF WITH TITLE TALK?

PERHAPS it is simply because another of those ghastly Da Vinci Code spin-offs is in the process of re-entering the public consciousness, but it strikes me that there is a hidden hint of continuing mischief in the words of Scott Brown.

In the course of an interview published during the week, the subject matter turned to Kenny Dalglish’s view that the Premiership trophy ought to be presented to the Celtic captain right now.

‘No,’ protested Brown. ‘Aberdeen and Hearts are going to push us all the way.’ Notice a particular team missing from that list of potential title candidates? And, no, I don’t mean St Johnstone.

Brown, of course, has already stated that he believes Aberdeen will be his side’s main challengers. It is the fact that he sees Hearts as the third force that is new. This may well be his earnest opinion, but it is more likely he is, for want of a more delicate phrase, back at the wind-up.

Brown has every right to, as he says, be playing with a smile. He dodged a bullet by quitting Scotland ahead of this crumbling World Cup campaign and, as he prepares for Champions League action in midweek, a certain Joey Barton is climbing mountains and tweeting about Ched Evans after being suspended by Rangers.

There is little question Brown (right) used Barton’s jibes about not being in his league as motivation before the last Old Firm game. Perhaps Rangers’ players will take special note of Brown’s latest remarks ahead of a Betfred Cup semi-final in which they desperately need to put in a performance.