Chris Sutton raises doubts about Scott Brown but thinks Lennon has new leadership solution at his fingertips

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Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has doubts that captain Scott Brown can carry the midfield load for the Bhoys across 60 games this season, writing in his Daily Record column this weekend.

When not injured, Brown has been almost ever-present in the Celtic team over the last few years but now aged 35 isn’t getting any younger.

If the Bhoys have a successful Europa League run and go far in cup competitions, the amount of matches he could play over over the coming nine months is massive.

Is it feasible for him to be a guaranteed starter in Lennon’s eleven much longer? Especially with so many midfield options at the manager’s disposal?

Sutton has his doubts but thinks the recent signing of Shane Duffy in defence can bring in fresh leadership to the team, lessening the need for Brown.

Writing in his Daily Record column, the outspoken pundit explained: “Let’s be clear here, I’m not saying he’s finished. Far from it. He’s still crucial to the set-up. But it also doesn’t mean he should be forced to play 60 games a season. Give him the odd day or night off and that’ll make sure he’s dynamic and full of life for 40 or 45 of them.

“Brown is a leader on the pitch for Lennon. I can understand why the manager would want him there every second of every game. But hopefully that’s where Duffy’s signing will be about more than just a top player arrival. First and foremost he’s a superb defender.

“But he also comes across as a leader – a guy who will demand and keep everyone on their toes, just as Brown has been doing for the past decade.”

Duffy, of course, captains his country and against Bulgaria this week demonstrated his desire to secure results with his last gasp headed equaliser.

Marshalling his team throughout the 90 minutes in Sofia, there’s no doubt the central defender has presence and is unlikely to take too long to make his mark inside the Celtic dressing room.

Whether that gives Lennon enough comfort to rest Brown more regularly remains to be seen but the Bhoys midfield could certainly do with a fresher look on occasion.

Do we really need Brown as a holding midfielder in the majority of Scottish Premiership matches?

As Sutton stresses, the captain is going to be a crucial part of our push towards ten-in-a-row.

However, Lennon needs to find flexible solutions that allow this Celtic team to fire on all cylinders.

In other news, one of Celtic’s summer transfer targets has found himself caught up in controversy after an £18m switch.