Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish reckons that Neil Lennon may have made a pact with Scott Brown ahead of today’s Scottish Cup Final against Hearts.
One of the major debates prior to the big game this week has centred around the captain.
Many people feel he should not start today’s fixture, given the form of Ismaila Soro against Lille and Kilmarnock.
However, having guided Celtic to a phenomenal amount of trophies in the past, would it be too harsh to leave out Brown?
Dalglish reckons the manager may have come to an agreement with his veteran midfield.
Writing in his Sunday Post column, he explained: “Soro is 22 and has been at Celtic since January. It’s taken him time to settle, but he has looked the part in the back-to-back victories against Lille and Kilmarnock.
“He is quick and covers the ground well. But he doesn’t have the experience of Brown. Scott is a leader, and has been instrumental in Celtic’s success in the past decade, including winning the last 11 domestic trophies on the trot.
“Whatever Neil decides to do, it will be in the best interests of the team, and to give the football club the best possible chance of winning the Cup.
“Listen, it could well be that there was an arrangement made with Scott two weeks ago, and he knew he was missing out on the last two games – but definitely starting today. Don’t be surprised if that is the case.”
Celtic should be strong enough regardless
Ultimately, the Celtic team that Neil Lennon fields should be too strong for Hearts, regardless of who plays. There really can’t be any excuses.
The Edinburgh side has talent but they’ve faced a lower standard of opposition all season and our intensity should be too great for them.
Personally, I do believe Soro is the better option in a pure footballing sense. However, I can understand why the manager would want to stand by his captain too.
It’s a conundrum for Lennon and it may be a dominating narrative coming out of the match if the result goes against us.
However, we can’t let the selection of Brown, or not, define our 90 minutes. Everyone has to step up today.
In other news, Michael Stewart has identified a Celtic weakness prior to today’s match.
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