BBC pundit Michael Stewart has questioned Celtic’s overreliance on Scott Brown, in the aftermath of the Hoops’ dismal 4-1 loss to Sparta Prague whilst appearing on BBC Sportsound.
Brown was subbed in the second-half of the game. However, Stewart feels that the player, who is 35, is still playing too many games for the Hoops. He has questioned why other options in the middle of the park aren’t being considered.
“Need to pinpoint the games he is going to play”
“You cannot expect a 35-year-old to play every game, he comes in for the semi-final (against Aberdeen) which is completely understandable, but that’s the one area of the park, in the centre of midfield, where they do have genuine options, and they are not playing them. You need to pinpoint the games he is going to play” Stewart said, after the game on BBC Sportsound (05/11/20, 21:56).
Brown has been substituted more of late it has to be said. However, he has still started 16 of Celtic’s 18 games this season, and he has featured in the two games he didn’t start.
However, as Stewart says, some players have not been involved for the Hoops this season when they could have been. To name but two, neither Ismaila Soro nor David Turnbull have had enough playing time for Celtic this season.
Duo signed this year have rarely featured
Soro has made only three appearances so far this season, whilst Turnbull has made six appearances, with only one start.
Either Soro or Turnbull could freshen up a Celtic midfield which at the moment isn’t functioning at all. Brown will be well aware that he isn’t playing well. He won’t want to become a burden on the team after so many years of success. Indeed, he could even suggest to the Hoops boss that he could be left out of the side for a while.
Neil Lennon has many big decisions to make in the weeks and months to come. Dealing with the Scott Brown situation is certainly one of them.
In other news, Pat Bonner was highly critical of Celtic’s defending against Sparta Prague.
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