Michael Stewart believes that Celtic have to keep Scott Brown on for another year to help transition at the club.
Brown has been touted for a surprise move to Aberdeen this summer to become a player-coach under former Hibernian teammate Stephen Glass.
The Celtic veteran’s contract at the Bhoys expires at the end of the season, meaning he’ll have a variety of options on the table to consider.
Stewart reckons he could still play a vital role at Celtic Park despite criticism of his performances this term.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound today (14:36), he said: “The thing for Scott Brown, in all seriousness, in my opinion, Celtic need to be keeping Scott Brown for another season.
“There’s a load of turnover happening at that club. Scott Brown has a part to play there – 20 or 30 games or whatever it is – to help that transition.
“If Aberdeen were to get Scott Brown, on the park, he’d make a massive difference.
“He’s out of contract, so ultimately it’s his decision. I think he’s earned the right to make that decision without any bad feeling. For me, Celtic have got to be offering him a new contract and trying to keep him there.”
One more year for Scott Brown at Celtic isn’t the worst idea
Brown has hardly been one of our top performers this season. In fact, there are sections of the support that believe his presence is actively harming Celtic team performances.
Neil Lennon and John Kennedy have both shown faith in the captain throughout the campaign, despite promising signs of a new midfield featuring Ismaila Soro.
However, just about every word emanating from a Celtic player about Brown is full of praise for what he offers the squad both on and off the pitch.
He’s a massive part of the Celtic set-up and sending him packing in the same period we also likely say goodbye to coaches, Kris Ajer, Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard could be viewed as a massive risk.
As long as we aren’t building a team around him, I don’t see the harm in keeping him on for another 12 months to help out a new manager enact change at the club.
Others will disagree and seek a fresh start across the board, but I can see where Stewart is coming from.
In other news, why Celtic aren’t playing this weekend and how it could help our derby chances.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
