Livingston manager David Martindale reckons Scott Brown is the ‘Scottish Roy Keane’, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership clash at Celtic Park.
Brown is leaving Celtic at the end of the season to join Aberdeen in a player/coach role.
Martindale was asked about his impact at the Bhoys in the build-up to tomorrow’s fixture.
Although admitting that every opposition manager hates him, the Livi man was full of praise for the legendary captain.
Speaking to The Scottish Daily Mail (09/04 print edition, page 91), Martindale said: “Roy Keane was a dying breed. I don’t think there are many like him coming through youth academies any more. But Scott Brown is a Scottish Roy Keane. He is a leader on the park and he makes the team tick.
“I don’t think there are boys like them now. It gets coached out of them in youth academies. But what Scott Brown has done for Celtic in his career is monumental.
“Every opposition manager hates him and every manager who has worked with him loves him. That’s what you want. It is certainly the type of players I would love at Livingston.
“When the opposition manager hates you, then you are doing your job right. Scott Brown will be trying to make sure to end his Celtic career on a high.”
Scott Brown now has Celtic farewell tour
I love Scott Brown, but I’m not quite sure about the Keane comparisons. At the very least it’s apparent Brown does get under the skin of opponents. We may be missing that kind of dig next season, so other leaders in the squad will have to step up.
For now, It’s quite clear that John Kennedy has no intention of dropping Brown anytime soon despite his outgoing status. He’s been a go-to starter for the interim boss since Neil Lennon left the club.
He’ll be in place to compete during his last five league matches in the Scottish Premiership and likely the Scottish Cup too.
It’s a farewell tour that could still pay off with silverware. We’re all hoping that’s how it ends.
In other news, referee and other officials confirmed for Celtic Scottish Cup derby.
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