The dilemma facing manager Brendan Rodgers today is whether or not to field Scott Brown.

Not because the team arguably put on its best performance of the season without him last time out in Perth, but because it may be a risk bringing him back until he’s one hundred per cent.

With a trip to Leipzig in midweek and a cup semi final at Murrayfield next week, he will be needed for those games, although one could argue todays match will be the toughest of the three.

It certainly has the potential to be the most entertaining, which is one of the reasons why I’m up this early ready to be on the road again. 3pm on a Saturday ? It’ll never catch on. although with two potentially great games this weekend, the other at Tynecaste where Hearts host Aberdeen, its little wonder that only bookies are willing to sponsor Scottish football as the showcase tv game is the fixture between Hamilton and “rangers “, where the visitors will indulge in a spot of community singing to further damage any chance of any money coming into the game.

Back to our game, and of course, there’s every chance that the wily Neil Lennon will set his team up to frustrate and defend, like he did when he was in charge of Celtic against Barcelona, but if Efe Ambrose is playing there’s always a chance of Celtic scoring, and if they do, Hibs will come out. Which could make for a classic.

Genuinely, this game appears to be unpredictable. Then again, I’m no expert when it comes to predictions.

Then again, is Browns time up at Celtic ?

We’ve had more or less everyone else touted for a move by our media, and Stephen MacGowan in the Mail now takes his turn to unsettle one of ours, and this time its Browns turn..

Brendan Rodgers insists he will give Scott Brown all the time he needs to decide on his Celtic future.

As Sportsmail exclusively revealed, ambitious Australian newcomers Western Melbourne want to make the former Scotland skipper their marquee signing if an application to join the A-League from October 2019 is successful.

Out of contract next summer, the 33-year-old is in talks with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell over a new deal at Parkhead. Conceding Brown is at a stage in his career where he might want a change of scenery, however, Rodgers says he will give his on-field leader the time and space he needs to resolve his future. 

There you are Broony, read the papers !

The manager considers you surplus to requirements..

I’d wager thats not the case, and Brown, whilst certainly in the autumn of his career, may be around for a while yet. A two year deal on favourable terms, including a reward for lengthy and loyal service, should not be beyond Lawwell and his bean counters.

That won’t stop the speculators from speculating..

And Rodgers seemed to be toying with them..

I’m not surprised if there are people in for Scott,’ 

‘He’s shown such incredible loyalty to Celtic – but he has got the football rewards from it as well. After ten years, he’s been great for the club.

‘But he’s getting towards the cycle of life for a footballer where he may want to look at other things. Scott loves it at Celtic and loves being here, but players can get offered a financial reward late in their career for two or three years.

‘They may not get that again in their life. There is no doubt that Scott – whether he stays here or goes – will be back one day as a coach or manager.

‘But the great thing is that people are looking at him again in that sort of way. He’s at the top of his game, he’s in a great moment in his footballing life. 

‘He’s happy and he’s developing, so let’s see what happens between now and the end of the season.

‘Scott is very focused on what he’s doing right now.’ 

Sod that, thought the reporter, because despite actually having a cracking story under his desk, he decides to elaborate on this nonsense.

Sportsmail understands Brown has already spoken with both Rodgers and Lawwell about the prospective opening in Australia.

Western Melbourne Group’s director of football Steve Horvat refused to offer a specific comment on Brown on Friday, but admitted: ‘We have made our aspirations quite clear in the media about signing high-profile marquee players and coaches for our first season if granted a licence.

‘I cannot verify these claims as we have spoken to numerous agents who may be reaching out to players and coaches.

‘We do understand that time is of the essence and that, if awarded a licence, we need to hit the ground running with appointments.’ The club have already revealed plans for a new 15,000-seat stadium and training complex, with Australian website The World Game claiming agent Lou Sticca was recently in Europe speaking to prospective coaches and potential marquee signings. 

Hang on, a club who haven’t even got a licence are interested in Scott Brown ?

No licence ? Where does he think they play ? Ibrox ?

We’ll leave that one where it is.

Despite the Scotsman headline which has within it more than a hint of hope..

Brendan Rodgers Fears Losing Scott Brown to Oz

Add that to a timely reminder from the Herald about the detail of the deal struck with Leicester for Filip Benkovic..

Celtic defender Filip Benkovic has recall clause for potential January exit

and you can see that the operation to stop the ten is still at full strength.

Chris Sutton has upset with a few with his recent Daily Record column, where he touts his old mate Neil Lennon for the Celtic job when Rodgers eventually heads for sunnier climes.

Accusations that he has taken the soup flew towards the straight talking Englishman, and thats a little unfair.

Its an open secret Lennon wants the job, and its an open secret that Lawwell would offer him it. Just not yet.

Why do you think he’s still at Hibernian ?

So, I suppose I’d better put the soup on as well…

Elsewhere, and we may be seeing a change to European club football soon. Looks like the big five might not be getting all their own way for much longer, if these proposals are adopted..

Following the UEFA Club Competitions (UCC) reform adopted in August 2016 and ahead of the upcoming decisions to be taken by UEFA and its National Associations for the 21/24 UCC cycle, European Leagues have taken the initiative to work on proposals for improving professional Club Competitions in Europe.

An extensive and comprehensive model was presented and endorsed today by the European Leagues during the Association’s General Assembly held in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Leagues welcomed the new innovative three tier competition format (UCL / UEL / UEL2 with 32 clubs each) proposed by UEFA which will allow more clubs from more National Associations to participate to European Club Competitions. In addition, the Leagues outlined the need for a new and more inclusive access list and a new revenue distribution model where solidarity is properly recognised to restore and support competitive balance in domestic competitions.

Specifically, the European Leagues’ model proposes the following improvements to UCC:

Did you see that story about a panther loose in Ayrshire ?

I’ve been sent a picture which proves it, and if any newspaper wants to slip me a few quid, let me know…

Speaking of pictures, yesterday we offered this one…

High standard of entries again, but we got a classic in there as well…

Keighley Bhoy October 19, 2018 at 10:17 am · Edit · Reply →