Scott Brown insists he is fit and ready to go ahead of this week's crucial double header. The Hoops head to Madrid to face an Athletico Madrid side with injury problems of their own, particularly in the striking department. That will be a major boost to Neil Lennon, as will the return of his influential captain. However, Lennon has stressed the importance of Sunday's first Old Firm clash of the season and has stated he will not risk Brown if there is any doubt as to his fitness. However, after recovering from an ankle injury suffered on international duty against the Czech Republic at Hampden earlier this month, Brown spoke of his return from injury, claiming he is hopeful of being ready for Thursday.
He said, "I'm desperate to get back in on Thursday. I will try training tomorrow or Wednesday and take it from there. Brown admitted playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks and claims that perhaps it had finally taken its toll, saying, "I did it in the Scotland game against Denmark a few weeks ago and I've been playing with a tender ankle for the last couple of weeks and it has maybe just got the better of me in the last few days."