The Glasgow Rangers’ Ibrox man has praised the Celtic star’s decision.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, former Rangers man Richard Gough has backed Scott Brown’s decision to postpone his Scotland retirement and help his nation in World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
The Celtic captain announced his retirement from international football in August, but he has declared himself available for Scotland’s clash with England at Wembley on Friday.
Gordon Strachan’s side are desperate for a victory against the old enemy, and defeat would make it very hard to reach the finals of the World Cup in Russia.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been in excellent form for Celtic this season and his inclusion could well be a big boost for the out-of-form Scots, who lost 3-0 at Slovakia last month.
Gough, who retired from Scotland in 1993, had tried to do the same u-turn on numerous occasions but manager-at-the-time Craig Brown refused to recall him.
And the 54-year-old, who spent 10 years at Rangers, has told The Scottish Sun that he fully supports the Celtic star’s decision to return to the international fold.
The ex-Rangers man said: “I back the decision 100 per cent. I only wish I’d got the same opportunity. It was a shame because although I am fiercely proud of my 61 caps, I’d have loved the chance to win even more.
“Scott was in the same situation a few weeks ago. He was probably watching Scotland thinking ‘I’d love to be out there’. Whether it’s one more game or another 50, it doesn’t matter. The fact is he can help his country right now.
“Good on him and Gordon for getting together, having a chat and coming to the right decision. Why wouldn’t he want to play in this England game and why should he be denied the chance? Who cares if he decided to retire in the summer? Circumstances change.”
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