The midfielder’s retirement U-turn when a World Cup 2018 qualifier against England looms increases the pressure on his national manager
The intensely tribal nature of Scotland’s football scene means neutral analysis of Scott Brown is about as forthcoming as peace marches before an Old Firm fixture. The combination of Celtic captain and a confrontational playing style that is viewed as being favourably looked upon by referees means Brown is adored by one club’s supporters whereas rivals view the midfielder as an individual they love to hate. This is not a novel concept, as Barry Ferguson, Graeme Souness and Neil Lennon will confirm.
On Friday Brown is expected to step back into the Scotland team after a brief absence that only intensified debate around him. In August Brown announced his retirement from the international scene while citing concerns over fitness. “I simply felt that I could not keep up both commitments [for club and country] without either my performances or recovery time suffering,” he said. Fair enough, nodded the Tartan Army.
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