Donnelly disappointed in Scott Brown’s decision to retire from Scotland duty

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The Celtic captain has called time on Scotland duties for the second time in his career.

Former Celtic midfielder Simon Donnelly has expressed his belief that it was the wrong decision to retire from Scotland for a second time from Scott Brown while talking to PLZ Soccer.

The Celtic captain, 32, decided to call it a day on the national team once again, after conversations were held with incoming Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

Since his debut in 2005, Brown was won 55 caps, but now joins the long list of terrific Scottish players who were unable to help guide their country to a major tournament.

Under Gordon Strachan, the 32-year-old came out of international retirement to help contribute to one final campaign, which ended in disappointment as Scotland failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia this summer.

With severe injury problems in the past, Brown’s decision was made mainly with his Celtic future in mind, with the captain hoping to maintain fitness and ease the pressures on his body during international breaks so he can play at the top level for several years to come.

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, former Celtic man Simon Donnelly expressed his belief that it was the wrong decision for Brown to retire, and that he could still offer a lot to the national team.

When presented with a question on whether or not Brown’s international retirement was the right decision, Donnelly replied, “I don’t, no. I understand it, but I would like to have seen him persevere for a few more games with Scotland.

“I think he’s a leader, and all those qualities that he brings, he’d have been a good one, you know, a good influence on the young boys that are coming through.”

As it stands, with the exception of Darren Fletcher, who is not a regular feature in the Scotland national team anymore, Brown is the most experienced senior player with 55 caps; the next closest being his club colleague Craig Gordon on 52.

There is no doubt that Scotland will miss Brown in the middle of the park, but with the likes of Scott McTominay and Kenny McLean coming through, the future may yet be bright for the Scots, allowing the veteran to focus on Celtic.