Over the past couple of weeks, a lot of Celtic supporters have questioned captain, Scott Brown’s inclusion in the starting line-up every single week.
Today, Brown has addressed those thoughts, admitting at times he may need to be rested in certain games.
As reported by the Glasgow Times, speaking in today’s pre-match press conference for Thursday night’s Europa League tie against Riga FC, the Celtic number eight appeared to back the idea of some players being rested, including himself.
“I feel fine. As I said at the start of the season, he picks the starting XI and squad week in, week out.
“Sometimes he might think I need a rest or others might need a rest like it was with Odsonne [Edouard] at the weekend because he’s had a lot of games and been away with France.
“That’s up to the manager. He picks the best team for each game depending on form, how people are feeling, little niggles and things like that. I’ve got great respect for the manager so whoever he picks we all stand by.”
I think we will see sooner rather than later, Brown taking a rest out the team, for both his sake and also the sake of the other players in the squad.
At 35-years of age, it is becoming harder and harder for him to play three games every week, which is what we are currently having to do.
The likes of David Turnbull are also sitting waiting for their opportunity to shine and show us what they can do in a Celtic shirt, so I wouldn’t expect it to be too long before he is on the bench for a period.
Of course, there is still no doubting that Brown has a lot to offer for the team, with his leadership and defensive qualities which we will need in big games. But we do need to watch that playing too many games doesn’t have a negative effect on the legendary captain.
