Scott Brown will be leading Celtic once again (Getty Images)
As per a report from the Daily Mail, Celtic captain Scott Brown has emerged as a transfer target for Australian outfit Western Melbourne. The club are hopeful of joining the A-League next season and should they be granted an entry, they are hoping to lure the former Scotland captain as their marquee signing (h/t Daily Mail).
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also acknowledged the interest from the Australian outfit. Speaking about the speculations in an interview recently, the former Liverpool boss said (h/t BBC):
“He’s at a really good level of fitness, but of course players get to this latter part of their career. And, obviously, if there are opportunities that come to them to allow them to maximise what they can earn out of the game then they have to look at it.”
Brown joined Celtic back in the summer of 2007 from Hibernian and has gone on to enjoy a spectacular career with the Glasgow outfit. During his time at Parkhead, the 33-year-old midfielder has made a total of 484 appearances across all competitions, scoring 37 goals and setting up 58 more for his teammates.
In his Celtic career spanning a little over eleven years, Brown has collected a huge trophy haul, including as many as eight Scottish Premiership titles, five Scottish League Cups and four Scottish Cups.
The Hoops’ captain, who is in the final year of his contract, was integral to the success the club achieved in the last two seasons under Rodgers, winning consecutive domestic trebles. In fact, the midfielder was named the Scottish PFA Player of the Year last season, honouring his immense contributions in Celtic’s historic triumph.
In the ongoing campaign, the former Scotland captain has chalked up 19 appearances across all competitions but is yet to score or assist a goal.
While the attack-minded may grab the limelight all the time, the contributions of the captain should not be overlooked. Not many would argue with the fact that Brown remains the most influential player on the pitch for the Bhoys.
Brown might not contribute a whole lot to the team’s attacking side of the game, as indicated by his numbers. But he often sits at the base of the midfield and does the dirty work, building the foundation for his attack-minded teammates. A tenacious presence in the middle of the park, the 33-year-old is adept at screening his backline and dominates the midfield with his aggressive style of play.
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The captain’s ability to win back the ball in the centre of the pitch and set his teammates off on attacks is a major driving force behind how Celtic operate, but it often goes under-appreciated. Add to that his supreme leadership skills, his poise and the way he wears his heart on his sleeve, Brown is a model for young players to look up to.
He may be 33 but considering his influence, there is no doubt that Brown still has plenty left to offer for Celtic. And that is why they should look to hold on to him and hand him a new contract amid interest from Western Melbourne.
