Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup Final Man- of- the-Match Scott Brown was very pleased with his performance but he refuses to bask in the individual accolades awarded to him. Midfielder Broony was the standout performer on the day but he insists that it's all about the team.
"It was a big honour for me," Scott told the Celtic View. "To win the Man of the Match award in any final is special, but it wasn't about me as an individual. It's about the team. I thought we did really well for the whole match. We created a lot of chances and managed to make the most of them. It's probably the best we've played against Rangers since I signed for Celtic."
"It was a good day all round, absolutely class to be fair, and I don't think we could have asked for a better atmosphere. It was up there with the best I have ever experienced." he said "The noise was incredible and as soon as we scored, I felt really confident that we would go on and win. In the end, extra-time brought out the best in us."
"We played for 120 minutes but I think we could have gone on even longer." added Scott. "Our fitness was great and we were still going strong at the end. The manager had faith in us and we repaid him."
Darren O'Dea put the Bhoys on their way to victory with his opening goal in the first minute of extra time and Scott was thrilled for the Irishman who has so often been a peripheral figure this season. "I was delighted for Darren and he deserves it." said Scott "He's been playing well recently and we were all pleased to see him get the goal that pretty much won us the cup. His celebration was brilliant. He just started running and I didn't think he was going to stop. It's just as well we caught him, because he'd been booked and he was heading for the fans. He's not right in the head that boy!"
Now that the League Cup is resting in the Celtic trophy room it's time to once again focus on the primary task of retaining the SPL title. The partying is over for now and it's back to work. "Winning the cup gives us a boost, but that is it. Rangers will battle back," Brown continued. "They are determined to win the league as well, so we can't get carried away. Sunday was brilliant but we'll have the serious heads on this week in training. There's a few games to go, so the hard work starts again."
The trip to Tayside this weekend will present it's own problems as the Bhoys face a United side that have held their own against the top two this season. "I don't think we could have picked a harder match to come back into the league with." said Celtic's number eight. "Dundee United are a good side. Every time we go to Tannadice, they make it tough for us. We drew 1-1 there earlier in the season and it will be difficult again."