Scott Brown names toughest opponent he faced playing for Celtic

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Paul Gillespie | Last updated 4/19/24

Scott Brown was speaking to talkSPORT recently and was asked about various things regarding his career and general time in the game. The former Hoops captain was stalwart at Celtic Park for years and had the pleasure of playing against some of the best players in the world whenever he played in European competition.

Usually the UEFA Champions League group stages more often than not, Broony has played against some of the most talented individuals you could think of with a football. However, during his Q&A with Jim, Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend today at Ayr Racecourse, the midfield engine-man was prompted to answer on who his toughest opponent ever was that he faced when he was in the game.

Brown, who is the one of the most decorated Celtic players of all time and who was no shrinking violet by anyone’s estimation, said: “I ran into this one guy in the middle of the park. We’re playing Celtic-AC Milan, Seedorf in the middle of the park, and oh my God, it was like running into a brick wall.”

One of the co-hosts, Republic of Ireland cap, Andy Townsend, replied: “It’s amazing Scott that you’ve said that. Because I played in a game with Clarence Seedorf in a play-off game – Ireland against Holland at Anfield trying to qualify for Euro 1996. I ran into him and I thought I had done my [anterior]cruciate ligament.”

The former Celtic captain gave a laugh of approval and revealed how during a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Italian giants AC Milan, the young and powerful ex-Hibee ran into the Dutch international and couldn’t believe how hard and physical the midfield maestro was. He remarked: “I swear, I thought I had a bit of power and pace, and he was just standing! Oh my God. He was fantastic.”

McCoist then probed his former foe during his time as Rangers assistant manager to Walter Smith, on who out of his teammates he rates highly, and without hesitation the Ayr United manager answered: “Virgil. He played in cruise control up here, he literally had a cigar out every game. He was like [Cameron] Carter-Vickers at the back, we could leave him one-v-one and the rest of us just ran forward. It was too easy for him! He was so good.”

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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