Scott Brown’s indomitable Celtic spirit shone brightly in his clash against Rangers after departing Glasgow, a testament to the adage that you can take the man out of Celtic, but never the Celtic out of the man.

The veteran, now retired at 38, reminisced on the numerous Old Firm battles he engaged in during his remarkable 14-year tenure with the Hoops from 2007 to 2021. Brown’s pivotal role in securing ten league titles, six Scottish Cups, and as many League Cups during his time with Celtic stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.

In his 56 encounters against Rangers, Brown emerged victorious in 25 matches but faced defeat on 23 occasions, his fiery competitiveness often reflected in the 26 cards he accumulated. Notably, his clashes with Rangers players, including an altercation with Ryan Kent at Celtic Park, showcased his unwavering spirit.

A memorable incident occurred during a 2019 match where Alfredo Morelos’s red card for elbowing Brown was followed by Kent’s punch on the midfielder. Despite the lack of VAR intervention, Kent was later suspended for two games due to his actions.

After transitioning to a player-coach role with Aberdeen, Brown reignited his rivalry with Kent, his ultimate act of revenge unfolding when Kent was sent off at Pittodrie, courtesy of an offense against Brown. As Kent left the field, Brown humorously bid him farewell, much to the amusement of onlookers.

Neil Lennon, witnessing the scene unfold, emphasized Brown’s knack for psychological gamesmanship and his ability to rile up opponents, traits that have endeared him to Celtic supporters over the years. As the two Scottish giants prepare to clash in the upcoming Scottish Cup final, the stage is set for another intense showdown between the age-old rivals.