“He’s certainly earned his stripes for me,” notes Celtic legend. “A little bit lazy, that might be understatement of the century” jokes Martin O’Neill

SCOTT BROWN made it perfectly clear on Friday afternoon at the pre-match Media Conference at Lennoxtown that he had no intention of contemplating hanging up his boots after another 70 games this season. The Celtic captain plans to leave the ball firmly in the court of Peter Lawwell and Neil Lennon to decide whether a contract extension is merited. Broony plans to do the convincing on the park.

Here is Broony answering the retirement question from the BBC reporter on Friday…

Yesterday John Hartson was asked about the likelihood of Celtic’s vice-Captain Callum McGregor taking over the armband in the event that Broony does hang up his boots or if Lawwell decides to offer him a Craig Gordon type ‘offer he couldn’t accept’ type of deal. Stranger Things CSC and all that!

Hartson was appearing alongside his old Celtic boss Martin O’Neill on Sky Sports and certainly seemed to have enjoyed the re-union, even if he was the subject of one or two witty remarks from the legendary Celtic manager from the start of this century.

“A little bit lazy, that might be understatement of the century” MON joked.

Hartson was more serious when discussing the successor planning for the Celtic captain’s role should a vacancy emerge over the next year or two. Could and should Callum McGregor be regarded as the natural successor to the legend that is Scott Brown?

“I’m not sure. I know Scott, I’ve played golf with him and we both live in Edinburgh,” Hartson remarked, as reported by Scottish Sun.

“I don’t know Callum so I don’t know what type of character he is and what he’s like in the dressing room.

“But I know Scott leads and he can be very vociferous on the pitch in terms of pointing fingers and everything else.

“I’m not too sure. They are totally different players altogether.

“What I would say is, it’s a lot to put on Callum’s shoulders if he’s been talked about as being the next captain.

“Good luck to Callum. But I’m not sure whether somebody else might come in and be better suited for that captain sort of role but he’s certainly earned his stripes for me.”

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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