‘WE’VE GOT CRAIG IN CHAINS,’ SAYS BROWN

SCOTT BROWN admits he can understand the allure of Chelsea for Craig Gordon, but is hopeful the Celtic goalkeeper will remain at the champions.

The 34-year-old Scotland international is wanted by the English Premier League pacesetters, but Brendan Rodgers isn’t interested in accepting a £3million offer.

Skipper Brown revealed that he had no regrets turning down mid-to-bottom end clubs in the English top flight, but accepted the attraction of Chelsea is a different ball-game.

He said: “I can’t fight that one, can I?. I can’t use the Champions League card or play the league card because they are top of the league.

“It is understandable people are coming in for him and his head might be thinking: ‘Do I go or do I stay?’.

“At the end of the day, it is his decision because he is at a top quality club just now and he has the opportunity next season again to get into the Champions League where he can show just how good he is again.

“He has been down the road with Sunderland, so it is his call and the club’s call now.

“But I am sure he will want to stay here and keep it going because he means so much to everyone in that dressing room.

“It is understandable. Last season, he was probably our Player of the Year and he was fantastic.

“To be out for a couple of seasons with injuries to knees, elbows and then come back and get injured again and then be written off by everyone.

“To play and perform the way he has has been fantastic. He was outstanding last year, but this season his distribution has been superb. His left-foot has become a wand now.

“It is a joy to play alongside him. He is a big player here and a close friend. I hope he stays.

”He is chained in the dressing room in there – he is going nowhere!

“But, no, you don’t want to start talking about it because it will mess with his head if people start saying: ‘Craig, are you going here or there?’

“Whatever is in the press, we know the gaffer wants him here, we want him here and I am sure that he wants to be here, too.”

Asked if he would applaud the veteran No.1 winning a move to Chelsea at this stage in his career, Brown was quick to rebuff the suggestion.

He replied: “No, I’d be raging!”