Charlie Nicholas: Gordon Strachan shouldn’t select this Celtic veteran
By Amir Mir
Charlie Nicholas believes Gordon Strachan shouldn’t select Celtic veteran Scott Brown for Scotland’s friendly against Canada on Wednesday night.
In November, midfielder Brown, 31, overturned his decision to retire from international football. The experienced campaigner would normally be the first name on Strachan’s teamsheet.
Ahead of their important World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Sunday, the Scots will first take on minnows Canada in an international friendly.
A defeat could all but end Strachan’s reign as the national boss following their recent defeat to England in November at Wembley.
Ahead of the clash on Wednesday, former Arsenal striker Nicholas backed the home team to pick up a morale-boosting win.
“Gordon Strachan should have walked away after the England defeat,” Nicholas told Sky Sports. “The crowd don’t believe him and, as mad they are with their songs, you have to find humour in this sort of situation because otherwise, you’ll go mad.
“You don’t need to play Scott Brown, let’s get players on the ball who are going to be a bit more expressive and entertain the fans. I’d like to see Ryan Fraser involved as well, he looks a decent little prospect.”
Bhoys skipper Brown has been in tremendous form for his club side this season, helping them steam role the Scottish Premiership.
At this moment in time, Brendan Rodgers side are one win away from being crowned Scottish champions, having dropped points on only two occasions during this campaign.
Furthermore, Brown was instrumental in the Hoops lifting the Scottish League Cup in November and he will be hoping his side can secure the treble by adding the Scottish Cup to their cabinet.
Old Firm rivals Rangers await them in the semi-final’s of the cup competition, with the clash set to take place on April 23 at Hampden.
Rodgers side have recorded three wins from four matches against their Glasgow neighbours this term.
In other Celtic news, this Aston Villa flop should follow in the footsteps of Scott Sinclair and move to Parkhead.
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