Celtic captain Scott Brown put in yet another imperious performance last night to prove critics wrong once again.
The seven-in-a-row winning captain came out earlier in the week and discussed recent criticism. He stated that he was “big and ugly enough” to take it, even if he disagrees with it.
Brown touched on the criticism he’s been getting stuck with for finally losing a game to Rangers. The performance at Ibrox was one of the midfielder’s poorest ever games for Celtic. But he’s come roaring back in 2019 so far.
In last night’s 2-0 win over Hibs, it looked like Brown had a point to prove. He didn’t seem to give the ball away once, and was staying just behind the midfield to ensure Ryan Gauld was kept quiet.
But what the midfielder has often been criticised for in the past is the idea his legs had gone. Apparently he’s getting slower and thus his days at the top are numbered.
Not got the legs? Utter nonsense
Well, once again, he proved that to be nonsense last night too. In separate foot races against the likes of Gauld and Stevie Mallan, Brown came out on top in convincing fashion. Mallan was even a fresh face considering he came on later on in the second half.
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It may just be the case that Brown simply had a bad day at Ibrox. They don’t come around too often, and therefore you can understand the mass hysteria from Rangers fans who hoped he was on the way out.
But on his current form, Brown will certainly be the one laughing when Rangers come to Parkhead next month.
He’s back to winning his 50-50s, showing his underappreciated level of pace, and keeping Celtic on top in all domestic matches.
Hibs didn’t come close to testing Scott Bain in goal yesterday. That was mainly because when they did push forward and try to threaten on the counter, Brown was harrying their attacking midfielders all over the pitch.
He looked like a man with a point to prove last night. If that was ever in Brown’s thinking, he certainly did it.