Scottish PFA Player of the Year Scott Brown missed the last two games against Aberdeen and the Huns through his two-match suspension and he returns to action tonight against Dundee United having watched his team-mates surrender their top-of-the-table position to a very modest Hun side.
The Celts are two points behind with only three games remaining and a win over the Arabs tonight is a must if the Bhoys are to keep the 4-in-a-row dream alive and if they are to put any pressure on the Huns before they visit Easter Road tomorrow. "It's been hard missing the last two matches.” said Brown. “But that's my ban over and I can't wait to get going again. The boys were excellent against Aberdeen and I felt we were really unlucky against Rangers on Saturday.”
"We had a lot of the ball, created a few chances but just couldn't get the goal we needed.” he said. “But there's a long way to go yet. Look at last season when we were written off and ended up winning the league on the last day. It's not over - not by a long way. There are only two points between the sides and we have to look after ourselves - and make sure that we can capitalise on any slip-ups."
Most Celtic fans don’t hold out any great hopes that Hibs will do us any favours against the Huns, especially if recent history is anything to go by, but Broony thinks that both contenders for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title will find the run-in very demanding. "It's not an easy end to the season for either side.” said the Celtic number 8. “We have three tough games and so do Rangers. We came in on Sunday morning and started to think about the United game. We are aiming to get three points from that match and hopefully put some pressure on Rangers.”
The fans will be delighted to see the return of the vibrant Brown and they’ll be hoping that he carries on in the manner that brought him the Player of the Year accolade. Brown himself is hoping that fans and players alike will make a monumental effort over these next three games as we seek to snatch that league flag from the bookmaker’s present favourites. "I'm sure the Celtic supporters will get right behind us.” he said. “They always do and we will respond to that. I'm fit and ready to play. The manager knows I'm available for selection and it would be brilliant to get out there and play my part. I believe we can still win this league and I'll be doing everything I can to do that."