John Hartson has criticised Celtic midfielder Scott Brown.
John Hartson
Former Celtic striker and current pundit John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Bhoys manager Brendan Rodgers won’t be happy with Scott Brown.
Brown, 31, racked up 50 appearances for the Scotland national team before announcing his retirement from international football back in August.
Just two months after that decision – once which Brown told BBC Sport there was ‘no going back from – Brown has done just that and performed a stunning U-turn on his international future.
Celtic’s Scott Brown celebrates
The Celtic midfielder has decided to come out of retirement, and will now be in contention to face England in the upcoming World Cup qualifier next month.
Brown has been in superb form this season, and whilst the appointment of Brendan Rodgers has helped him play his best football again, not playing international football appears to have kept him fresh for his club.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Fans will be split on Brown’s decision, but former Celtic striker and current pundit John Hartson believes that Brown is making the wrong decision.
Hartson told The Scottish Sun that Brown’s initial move to retire was the right decision, but this is now the wrong call having looked ‘fit and strong’ for Celtic in recent weeks.
Hartson added that Celtic boss Rodgers surely won’t be happy with the decision, as Celtic have huge games coming up in the Champions League, as well as the League Cup final and the Old Firm derby against Rangers.
John Hartson
“It was the right decision and everyone accepted it,” said Hartson. “This is a massive game for Scotland and he’s obviously felt: ‘You know what, I will play’. But it’s the wrong call. He should stick to his original decision. What will Brendan Rodgers be thinking? He’s got Brown back to his best, looking fit and strong. His form has been fantastic. His energy levels are magnificent and he’s really driving Celtic on.”
“A big reason for that is because Brown gets that extra bit of rest while the international games are on. Celts have so many huge games coming between now and winter — the Champions League, Betfred Cup Final and Old Firm derby at Ibrox. The last thing Brown needs is another massive 90 minutes on top of all that. I can’t imagine Rodgers is happy about this, but there is not a lot he can do if Brown is adamant about going back,” he added.
Do you think Brown is making a mistake?
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