The Celtic captain is set to play in Scotland’s clash with England next week.
Celtic captain Scott Brown has admitted to the Daily Mail that banter from the Scotland backroom staff is what ultimately saw him come out of international retirement.
The Hoops star initially decided to retire from international football back in August as he sought to extend his club career.
It proved to be a smart decision from him, as the added rest helped him put in a number of impressive displays for Brendan Rodgers side.
He has elected to reverse the decision, being named as part of the squad to face England at Wembley next week, a game he will likely start in.
Celtic’s Scott Brown
It was a decision that surprised many and he has admitted that it was the banter from Scotland’s backroom staff that led to the decision.
“Making that phone call to Gordon [about the initial retirement] was one of the hardest things I have ever done,” he told the Daily Mail.
“The backroom staff and I were having a bit of banter after I got my 50th cap, asking if I fancied coming back to play in the England game and I just kind of said: ‘Oh yeah, just get the gaffer to phone me’.”
“Then Gordon and I had a wee chat and, somehow, I’ve ended up coming out of retirement for this game.”
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Andre Hahn in action with Celtic’s Mikael Lustig (C) and Scott Brown
The midfielder does, however, insist that his return is only a short one at this moment in time as he will use the England game to determine whether he can continue long-term.
Celtic have a busy two months ahead of them, with nine games alone coming across December.
Brown is likely to play in the majority of those fixtures given his importance to the Hoops and he admits he will have to see where his body is at that stage before deciding his international future.
“After the game at Wembley, I’ll have a base to see if I can continue to push myself with Celtic and international games,” he added.
“Celtic are due to play nine games in December, so that will be tough and I will need to see where my body is from that point. I will know in my own head how I feel.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Scott Brown as he is substituted
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