‘SCOTT’S NEW LEASE OF LIFE,’ HARTLEY

DUNDEE boss Paul Hartley reckons Scott Brown has been rejuvenated since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as Celtic boss.

The Dens Park gaffer played alongside the Hoops skipper during his days at Parkhead and insists the player is getting better as he gets older.

Hartley, who watched Brown score the only goal of the game against his team on Saturday, said: “Scott has been reborn.

“Maybe he needed a manager who believed in him and saw something a little bit different in him. I think Brendan has come in and has done that for him.

“People always try to write off good players as quickly as they can, but, knowing him as I do, he’s a fantastic boy and a great leader.

“He’s playing as well as ever. He’s back to being the player who signed for Celtic from Hibs 10 years ago.

“On the ball, he has improved a lot. He’s matured over the years like everyone does.

“Scott has changed his game quite a bit. You saw him against us and Manchester City last week, getting forward and bursting into the box.

“His energy levels are great and I think you can see he’s being encouraged to get forward more.

“He always had the drive and determination, but I think he is getting better with age.

“He looks as though he has got a new lease of life with the new manager. After the game in midweek, last season he wouldn’t have been able to play the way he did against us.

“Giving up playing for Scotland will probably prolong his club career a bit, too.”