James Forrest believes Celtic teammate Scott Brown could continue playing at Parkhead for another year amid speculation over his next move.
Brown’s contract comes to an end and with it potentially a glorious 14-year Celtic career. The Hoops captain has yet to come to a conclusion over what the future holds for him.
Aberdeen could reportedly move for him if they appoint Stephen Glass as manager [Scottish Sun]. Glass is said to want Brown as his number two. However, it’s also been said that Celtic have offered Brown fresh terms to stay on at Parkhead as a player [Daily Record].
Huge question marks have arisen this season over whether Brown is still able to play week-in, week-out with Celtic. But Forrest sees no reason as to why he can’t continue in his current role.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Forrest said: “With everything he has achieved here, he is such a big part of Celtic. On and off the park he has been unbelievable.
“If you look at his numbers you will see they are right up there with the very fittest players and he never misses training. So yes, it would be good if he stayed here for another year. I think everybody involved at the club – players, staff – wants that.
“I can see him playing here for another year and then it is about how he feels with his body.”
James Forrest close with long-term teammate, but Scott Brown has to accept bit-part role if he wants Celtic stay
There are plenty of reasons to stay at Celtic ahead of what should be an exciting new era.
The opportunity of learning under a new manager and also taking something from him regarding his coaching methods would surely intrigue Broony. Especially if he plans to go into management himself one day.
In addition to that, he won’t want to leave on a sour note. Yes, beating Rangers twice and winning the Scottish Cup would be nice. But the strain of losing the league championship won’t be lost on the Celtic legend. He’ll have envisioned riding into the sunset with 10-in-a-row secured. The fact that it hasn’t gone down that way won’t satisfy him. Staying for another year then could see him secure his glory ending.
However, their will be detriments. Brown cannot expect to play every week and be an essential part of the Celtic starting XI. In fact, you can argue that he shouldn’t even be involved in the big games.
Ismaila Soro has proven a more than reliable successor. His dominant performance at Ibrox back in January was evidence enough to suggest that it’s time for a change in the midfield position. Brown does indeed represent the past, and whilst another year could help him sign off in style – it shouldn’t be as a regular.
So there’s plenty to weigh up for Scott. No matter what he does, he’s forever a Parkhead great. But the next few weeks will be telling as we await to see what changes are made a both Celtic Park and Pittodrie.
In other news, the Celtic supporters have been left unimpressed with Olivier Ntcham after his latest Marseille snub.
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