Nicholas believes Brown should not be included in the starting XI on Sunday
Charlie Nicholas says Celtic no longer miss Scott Brown when he doesn’t play and insists David Turnbull should start ahead of him in the Scottish Cup Final.
Although he acknowledges Brown’s influence as a personality, former Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas believes his style is of ‘little relevance’ to the team.
Celtic go into Sunday’s final against Hearts after consecutive victories against Lille and Kilmarnock. On both occasions David Turnbull was given the nod and impressed in midfield, while Callum McGregor wore the captain’s armband.
Brown began those matches on the bench.
The 35-year-old has made 600 appearances for the club, but Nicholas feels he is now of more value to Neil Lennon’s team as a talisman than a midfielder.
Speaking in the Daily Express, he said: “I understand Ryan Christie returning but not the skipper.
“I accept Brown is captain and Callum McGregor does not have his personality, but his legs aren’t there any more.
“He no longer has a big influence on the team. In the huge games over the last 18 months – Aberdeen and Hibs away, the Old Firm and Euro ties – it’s been about his nuisance value, not what he does on the ball.
“His role diminished when Celtic scrapped Brendan Rodgers’ style. He’s a spoiler and that carries little relevance.
“He’s still a big personality and he always gives 100% – but Celtic are not going to miss him if he doesn’t play.
“He remains a figurehead and should lift the cup – if they win. But Lenny has to go with players in form, like Turnbull, (Ismaila) Soro, (Conor) Hazard and Moi Elyounoussi.
“Everything that’s been asked of them, they’ve done. Would it be a risk too far to play them in a cup final? Definitely not.
“Do I understand loyalty? Of course. I’d have liked it a bit more as a player. But it’s never been the fabric of successful teams. It’s the ones who perform who stay.
“I know Hearts are in form but I still expect Celtic to win. And Lenny should continue with his shake-up by going for guys playing without fear.
“Soro, Turnbull and Hazard have given the team energy.”
Celtic and Hearts contest the final for the second consecutive season as Lennon’s men aim to secure an unprecedented quadruple treble.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
