John Hartson believes that Celtic have more than enough quality in their locker to play without Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham on Thursday.
The Hoops welcome Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League in mid week in a bid to extend the run in the competition beyond this year, but Hartson thinks that mainstay Brown is not needed for this match, adding that he should make do with sitting on the bench alongside teammate Ntcham.
BT Sport pundit Hartson says that Brown is still the “ultimate professional”, but at the same time pointed to the Hoops’ record since he got injured – eight wins, two draws and second place in their Europa group.
“The thinking was that Celtic without Brown was nowhere close to being the same threat. Things have changed. Brown, and this is with every respect to a fantastic Celt, probably won’t be needed this Thursday for what is a huge match,” he said in his Evening Times column.
“Since he got injured, his team have recorded eight wins, two draws, lots of goals, exhilarating football, a second spot at in their Europa League group and now top of the league with a game in hand.
“But I don’t think Brown will start against Salzburg on Thursday night, a game he was born to play in. However, I believe Brown, and Olivier Ntcham as well, will have to make do by being substitutes. He is the ultimate professional.”
OPINION
Hartson is right – although Scott Brown has been a loyal servant to Celtic over the years, he is just not needed in this match. The team have been fantastic recently, and unfortunately for him, this has been without the 33-year-old in the side. Whether it is a coincidence or not, Brendan Rodgers needs to stick with the team who have been doing a stellar job for him recently. They are at the top of the league with a game to spare, and they could not be in a better to position to add yet another trophy to their collection. Brown will no doubt still play a vital role for the remainder of the campaign, as he still has a lot more to give. Thursday’s showdown with Salzburg is arguably one of Celtic’s toughest tests this year, and he needs his top players performing at their best. As for Ntcham, he is just being kept out by some top-quality players – much to his dismay.