Rodgers talks to Mackay about Brown’s international future

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he has had a conversation with stand-in Scotland manager Malky Mackay about Celtic captain Scott Brown’s role within his national side.

Brown announced in August 2016 that he was retiring from international football, but two months later reversed that decision in order to be part of Gordon Strachan’s side for 2018 World Cup qualification — the Scots came close to reaching the play-off stage but fell at the final hurdle.

There is now a question mark over his future with the national team, as they prepare for a new approach to European Championship 2020 qualification under a younger manager.

Rodgers said (via the Evening Times):

I spoke to Scott, I had a good meeting. I also spoke with Malky in the week, he’s going into a game with Holland and he’ll want to do well in it as will the players,

I have my feelings on it with Scott and I’ll always say that to him but ultimately it’s down to him and his body and where he’s at.

Brown has made 51 appearances for his country since 2005, scoring four goals.

Rodgers continued:

Scotland will be embarking soon on the European Championship front, so if they can get to that he’ll be 35. So there is probably something for him to think about.

He’s the catalyst for the team, he’s still fit, he’s still fresh. You saw the level of his game in Bayern Munch, he’s still a top-class operator at that level.

But I also know he wants to really maintain his Celtic career for as long as he can.

Brown joined Celtic from Hibernian in the summer of 2007, after scoring in his final appearance for Hibs in a match against Celtic; he was subsequently applauded by both sets of fans, having agreed to join the Hoops before the fixture came around.

Rodgers is confident that the midfielder will make the right decision for himself and for Celtic, when it comes to his international future:

It doesn’t have to be conclusive now,

I think Scott knows the benefits of not playing. He’s a passionate Scotsman as well and ultimately it’s his decision.

I’d never deny a player that chance. If they want to speak to me or me speak to an international manager then that’s what we’ll do.

But that’s what I love about the Scottish boys – they are so honest.

Celtic’s next game comes in the Scottish Premiership against Aberdeen on Wednesday night.