Hartson backs Brown to stay at Celtic

John Hartson is backing Scott Brown to turn down a lucrative move to Australia and sign a new deal with Celtic.

Writing for the Evening Times, Hartson believes the club captain will extend his stay in Scotland, despite having a big-money offer from Western Melbourne on the table.

The Australian outfit have been heavily linked with a move to sign Brown in recent weeks after being granted permission to enter the A-League.

They have earmarked Brown as one of their marquee signings ahead of their new season, with a decision from the player believed to be imminent.

Brown has been at Celtic for 11 years but is out of contract at the end of the season.

A new deal at Parkhead has not been ruled out for Brown, with talks behind the scenes believed to be ongoing.

I think his status at the club is secure regardless of what his next call is. I was in Australia as a guest of the Perth Celtic Supporters Association recently and it is a beautiful country. The people were great and I can understand the appeal of the lifestyle over there.

But it is a long way from home. I could well end up with egg on my face here but I just think that Brown will take Celtic up on their offer.

And I think that the club need him this season more than ever. They are in a race for the title and you need players of Brown’s ilk in there.

The midfielder has enjoyed an illustrious Celtic career, winning eight league titles, four Scottish Cups and five League Cups.