REMARKABLY, Scott Brown scored the LAST time he played against Celtic.
The former Hoops’ inspirational onfield leader will be hoping to repeat the feat today in his FIRST game against the Parkhead club since spending 14 trophy-laden years in Glasgow following his £4.4million switch from Hibs in May 2007.
Brown will line up against Ange Postecoglou’s men in the midday clash at Pittodrie and must be wondering if he can roll back the years.
THE WAY WE WERE…Scott Brown and Gordon Strachan after the midfielder’s record-breaking move to Celtic in May 2007.
Over 14 years ago, the gritty anchorman, now 36, had agreed a pre-contract with the Hoops when Gordon Strachan swooped to pay a record fee between two Scottish clubs. Three days after the deal had been sealed, the all-action midfielder netted with a spectacular diving header at Easter Road.
The Parkhead-bound player took off Superman-style to get his head to a cross to send an effort crashing into the net above Mark Brown for the equaliser four minutes after his former Edinburgh club team-mate Derek Riordan had given the visitors the lead in the 56th minute.
The home side capped a spirited fightback with a winner in stoppage time from Ivan Sproule. Happily, Strachan’s men still won the league.
HE FLIES THROUGH THE AIR…Scott Brown thumps in Hibs’ equaliser against Celtic – 14 years ago.
SHOVE OFF…Scott Brown has words with Darren O’Dea.
Interestingly, Brown was up against John Kennedy that afternoon – the same John Kennedy who was in charge of Celtic on the day the stalwart made his final appearance as Hoops captain in the goalless draw at Easter Road on May 15 to bring down the curtain on a wretched campaign.
The former Scotland international captain said a teary farewell immediately after the game before taking up his payer/coach role at Aberdeen on a two-year contract.
TEARS…an emotional Scott Brown following his last Celtic appearance at Easter Road in May.
CHEERS…Scott Brown after his move to today’s rivals Aberdeen.
Back in 2007, Strachan chose this team to face Brown and Hibs: Brown; Perrier-Doumbe, Kennedy, McManus, O’Dea; Hartley, Caldwell, Gravesen (sub: McGeady 69), Bjarnason; Riordan, Beattie (sub: Sheridan 88). Subs Not Used: McGovern, Irvine, Conroy, Cuthbert and Caddis.
Unsurprisingly, not one of those players will be in Postecoglou’s squad for the High Noon showdown in the north east today as the Hoops attempt to overcome their travel sickness that has seen the team falter at Tynecastle, Ibrox and Livingston.
The Greek-Australian gaffer will be hoping it is a case of Brown and out for the Dons with the visitors taking three points at the fourth time of asking.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Aberdeen v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
