Why Scott Brown has to feature against AIK and Rangers

Celtic have a crucial double header on the horizon ahead of tonight’s match against AIK and Rangers on Sunday. There has been much debate around what Celtic’s strongest line-up is, with many fans claiming that Scott Brown should be dropped from the starting 11. However, losing his leadership on the pitch could be really problematic for the hoops and it could prove to be a very costly decision.

The Celtic captain has been under severe criticism from bases of the Celtic support in the last few months since his abysmal display in last season’s 1-0 loss at Ibrox. Although, the whole side were out of form and the tactics made by Brendan Rodgers were poor, it was still Brown who took most of the blame.

From that match onwards, he has seemed off the pace and been criticised for slowing down the Celtic side going forward. When it comes to the league; the fans want to see fast, flowing football which is only natural as we have the quality to pass teams off the park. It would be completely fair to rest Brown in games like these, where we are certain that his presence is not needed to win the game.

However, for these two matches coming up, Brown could be one of our most important players and he should be one of the first names on the team sheet.

He is a natural leader on and off the pitch.

Leadership is a trait that the side is lacking at the moment with few possible captains actually featuring in the starting 11 since Kieran Tierney’s departure to Arsenal. Kristoffer Ajer and Callum McGregor are two players in particular that fans would be happy enough to take the captains armband as they have shown real passion, desire and an intent to be vocal on the pitch, making sure every player is playing to the Celtic standard and not coasting around.

Although they have shown they have what it takes to lead their side out and get the players pumped up, we may just need all the leaders we can possibly get.

AIK and Rangers are two sides who are definitely going to put in a real physical battle against us, especially on their home turf. AIk are playing for survival to reach the Europa League group stages and Rangers are playing in a must win game as it could be the Glasgow derby that dictates who is going to come out on top at the end of the season.

They are going to be crunch games with strong tackles, intense one-on-one battles and players playing what could become one of the most important matches of their whole career.

We cannot go out second best in terms of mentality and that is what is going to happen without Scott Brown leading the side out.

He is the ultimate leader on and off the pitch.

He will get torn into the team before, during and after each match just like his manager, Neil Lennon. We need that guy, not just on the side-lines but on the park as well, someone who is willing to put himself on the line for his teammates and for a result.

Rangers for example will be chasing the Celtic side down from the very first kick of the ball on Sunday. Not only will they try and win the ball but they will try to take the player with them. It’s one of those games and we need a player in the middle of the park who is willing to do the same and keep the likes of Ryan Jack quiet in that department.

Without Brown in the side, the Celtic midfield is too lightweight.

A midfield trio of Olivier Ntcham, McGregor and Ryan Christie sounds good in terms of passing sides off the park. However, both games won’t be like that at all. We won’t be given any time on the ball to play that slick passing play that we are used to. It might not be the most glamorous of matches, but it really needs to go down the gritty play of who actually wants it more.

We need to trust Brown until we have that proper replacement for him; who isn’t just good at dictating tempo but also will also be a hard man as well.

Until we have that player, Brown needs to be in the side for important matches like these. He may not have the pace and the skill of his younger years, but he does have that experience and hunger which is absolutely vital to have for such an important few days for the club.