Former Celtic star Andy Walker has backed Scott Brown to make the difference in the Old Firm derby this weekend.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Andy Walker has stated that Celtic skipper Scott Brown could prove to be crucial in handing the Hoops a victory over Rangers this weekend.
Celtic and Rangers will be pitting their wits against each other in the 402nd Old Firm derby this weekend and the match is certain to be a keenly contested battle between the two fierce rivals.
Considering their home advantage as well as the strength of the squad, the Hoops perhaps head into the encounter as slight favourites but one most certainly cannot rule out the Gers’ chances of claiming a positive result on the day.
In fact, Rangers managed to claim a somewhat surprising victory over Celtic when these two sides last squared off against each other in the Scottish Cup semi-final last season.
Former Celtic man Walker has been speaking ahead of the upcoming encounter between the Hoops and Rangers, and has stated that his former side are very well placed to take revenge due to one particular reason – the form and fitness of Brown.
Walker explained that Brown was not entirely fit during the clash between the two sides back in April but has stated that the midfielder has managed to return to his best under Brendan Rodgers this season and will prove to be the difference during the encounter on Saturday.
The 51-year-old told the Daily Mail, “Scott Brown is fit and playing very well, which he wasn’t doing for a good number of weeks under Ronny Deila – certainly in the Scottish Cup semi-final. Scott is a different player now than he was then. I believe it’s down to a respect for his manager, which is being reciprocated.
“When he’s fit, he’s a different player. For a good number of weeks towards the end of last season, he wasn’t doing it. But, when he’s at it, Scott Brown makes a big difference to Celtic as a team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
