Scott Brown has today stated that he was unlucky to receive his 13th booking of the season against Gretna and has insisted that he is not a dirty player. Speaking from the Scotland squads base at Loch Lomond ahead of the derby game on Saturday Scott said that he didn't deserve to receive the card at Almondavale and he also feels the majority of cards he has received this season have been harsh.
He said, "I'll admit there are times when I can get caught up in the heat of the moment.
"But my honest assessment is that I haven't merited any of the 13 bookings I've received this season.
"I have never gone out deliberately to hurt someone on the field. My aim is to win the ball at all times and if there's an accidental collision I'll be the first to hold my hands up.
"I knew right away I would be in line for my fourth suspension of the season when I was booked against Gretna - and it wasn't a nice feeling.
"But my motto is simply play to win at all times."
Brown also made comment on the notion that maybe some players were not as loyal to the National set up as they would have you believe, after the large amount of call offs that have been received with a Govan postmark. He said "They'll be back when they're ready. I'd rather play than be idle in the lead-up to that match at the weekend.
"If I can play well for Scotland and enjoy the experience, it could have the effect of improving my confidence for the game against Rangers.
I'll play the friendly international with the same intensity I'd bring to my game in a domestic fixture. One more game won't hurt me and it will be easy to switch off from thinking about the championship.
"You want to play for your country in every game and give 110 per cent effort, no matter who you're up against.
"It's a chance to make a statement about myself and my entitlement to a place in the national side."
It certainly is Scott. Lets hope you make a few statements at Ibrox on Saturday.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt