Scott Brown made the right decision staying with Celtic, says Johan Mjallby

Another Celtic clean sweep this season would vindicate Scott Brown’s decision to shun a move to the English Premier League.

That’s the view of Johan Mjallby, who inherited the Hoops skipper as a player in 2010 – the same year Brown rejected the chance to join Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur, then managed by Harry Redknapp, were also interested.

“Captaining Celtic to a treble Treble is much better than playing in England for a few years,” said Mjallby, Neil Lennon’s assistant in his first stint in charge of the club.

“Scott is already a legend at the club, but I would doubt if a treble Treble would ever be done again.

“I am not going to be here forever, but it won’t happen for a long time.

“I am not surprised Scott is still at Celtic because is very comfortable here.

“He has a great position as captain of the club and being one of the most-important characters at Celtic.

“That means more. Along with winning trophies and getting the chance to play in Europe every season.

“It means more to Scott than playing for a mid-table team in England, earning more money.

“That doesn’t matter to him. I like him even more for that.

“Scott is more interested in being influential for Celtic – winning trophies and entering the history books.

“The English Premier League is one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

“But it shows how important Celtic still is, even if the Scottish game can’t compete financially.

“Scott’s decision to stay at Celtic for his career shows how important the club remains.”

Certainly, the Swede is in no doubt about the importance of the contribution Brown made in the time he was part of coaching set up.

The haul of three league titles, two Scottish Cups and a run to the last-16 of the Champions League wouldn’t, Mjallby mantains, have been possible without the on-field direction he gave the team.

“Quite early on, Neil recognised Scott as being someone with the same passion he had as a player and in management,” the Swede continued

“Both of them want to have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, on the pitch and around the squad.

“When we secured our jobs in the summer of 2010, Neil said: ‘You know, Broony’s going to be my leader’.

“You always need at least one, hopefully you have a few. He had pinpointed Broony and he never disappointed us.

“I think he improved as a player during our time.

“He was always a hard-working player, who would run box-to-box, which meant he never really got the credit he deserves for his skill and football intelligence.

“Over the years, though, since he has become more of a sitting midfielder – someone who keeps the game flowing and keeps possession of the ball – people are appreciating just how talented he is.”

Johan Mjallby was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.