Brown has 50-cap marker in his sights

Scott Brown swears he will never dodge a Scotland friendly.

He has set his heart on winning a place in the SFA’s Hall of Fame.

The midfielder will edge closer to the half-century of caps required to clinch the honour when he skippers his country in the challenge game against the United States at Hampden on Friday night.

He currently has 34 to his credit, and sees the matches against the States and Norway a few days later as a straightforward way to boost his tally.

“I try not to pull out of any squads because I want to get as many caps as possible,” said the Celtic captain.

“It’s a privilege to represent your country. Every time I play for Scotland, it’s a great occasion.

“I don’t see the boys an awful lot, so it’s good to meet up with them and get a bit of craic.

“We have been flying and this should be a good double-header for us, especially the game against the States.

“They hammered us 5-1 last time we played them so we want to get them back for that.

“In terms of the Hall of Fame, it would be great to get 50 caps, an achievement to be really proud of.

“I can’t look too far ahead just now because the 16 games could take a long time and I am getting on a bit. I’m 28 now.”

Brown was actually given his debut against the States in the 1-1 draw at Hampden back in 2005.

“I think I got about 15 minutes. Walter Smith was the manager,” the Celt continued.

“I’d been in a few squads before, but sat on the substitutes bench so it was massive for me to finally win a cap.

“I remember coming on for big Garry O’Connor, who I had shared a room with, and scoring but it was disallowed for offside.

“James McFadden played the ball over the top, I took a touch towards goal for a change and it hit the target and it went in for a change!

“It doesn’t feel like it was eight years ago. I still feel like a young lad.

“I know I can’t run about as quickly as I used to! But it’s been a good eight years, it’s been enjoyable.

“I have been lucky to have so many experienced, established players to learn from.

“There was Davie Weir, Gary Caldwell, Kenny Miller, Gary Naysmith, Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley and Christian Dailly.

“I did all the running for them!

“Now they are all retired and I’m STILL doing all the running! I can’t work that one out.

“There have been some magical moments, with the highlight beating France in Paris. That was unbelievable.

“James McFadden’s goal was just out of this world, and I will remember that night for the rest of my life.”