Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hinted that he may recall captain Scott Brown for the Scottish Cup final against Hearts tomorrow.
The 35-year-old has been rested for the last two games against Lille and Kilmarnock, with Ismaila Soro excelling in his absence, and Lennon says that while he will select the side on merit, the midfielder’s experience makes it hard to leave him out:
“He (Brown) is a fabulous captain, fabulous player and I think at times we do miss him when he is not there. That’s been the case, albeit in the last couple of games we have been giving him a bit of a rest, the team have played very well. There is no question he is a huge presence on and off the field. As regards team selection, as I said, there will be no sentimentality involved in my thinking behind that with my backroom team.”
Supporters on Twitter have been debating whether Brown should be included in the line up at Hampden Park, and it seems the majority want the veteran to stay on the bench:
I wouldn’t start him.
— Owen (@JustABhoy) December 18, 2020
No way ! No time for sentiment ! The guy loves Celtic and will no doubt understand
— Jimbo (@Jimkingofkings) December 18, 2020
He deserves to make an appearance at the end.
— martin orr (@LeadahorseOrr) December 18, 2020
I’d rather we start the players who have been on form for us which has been Turnbull and Soro. If we were winning I’d definitely let him play the last 15 minutes love Broony but Soro and Turnbull deserve a start
— Claire (@Claire1888CFC) December 18, 2020
Brown , sub , bring him on 15 to go when we are 3 up , strongest team 1st , and at this moment SB is not in this position ☘️
— Markybhoy (@mark1971csc) December 18, 2020
Go with form for me so Brown on the bench.
— John_Glasgow (@GlasgowJohn44) December 18, 2020
No room for sentiment, keep the winning team on the park.
— Barrhead Bhoy (@Barrhead_Bhoy67) December 18, 2020
Sentiment doesn’t count in fball, the team that can claim 12 domestic titles in a row plays, simple ??
— Dee boyle (@Damienboyle5) December 18, 2020
He should lead the team out, then take his place on the bench
— Jimmy McGrory? (@jimmymcgrory67) December 18, 2020
It’s a very difficult decision for Lennon. Brown has not played well recently and his replacement in the team, Soro, would be more than deserving of a place in the starting lineup versus Hearts.
However, Brown has shown countless times before that he is a big-game player, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he was named in the eleven and put in a stellar performance.
