Tam McManus has claimed that Celtic cannot do without midfielder Scott Brown in the side and feels he is a real talisman for them.
The 32-year-old is the Bhoys captain and was given a rest at the weekend during the goalless draw at home to St Johnstone.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made seven changes to his side for the 0-0 league clash and clearly has one eye on the second leg of his Europa League clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday.
The result means the Scottish champions extended their lead at the top of the league and are nine points above second-placed Rangers.
Celtic were unable to hit top gear at Parkhead on Saturday as they were held by ninth-placed St Johnstone.
BBC pundit McManus feels the absence of Brown was a significant factor in the surprise draw and feels he is integral to the starting XI when he features.
The no-nonsense central midfielder is usually an ever-present in the side and is expected to return against Zenit.
“Celtic not got as much strength in depth that many would believe. Rodgers would have learned a lot from that game today. Brown especially is the one Celtic cannot do without. Makes Celtic tic. Pardon the pun,” McManus wrote on his personal Twitter account.
https://twitter.com/The_Tman10/status/965373333901578240
OPINION
Brown was a big miss at the weekend against St Johnstone, but he wasn’t the only one as several of the fringe players in the squad failed to seize a big opportunity in the league. The midfield enforcer will return to the side against Zenit and it was a great move by Rodgers to ensure the majority of his key players go into that crunch fixture fully fit. Brown has the vital experience that will help drag his side through the battle in Russia and always wears his heart on his sleeve. He is also a very talented player in possession that keeps the ball ticking over and will need to be efficient away to Zenit.