Assistant manager Peter Houston is hoping to finally see the best of Scott Brown in a Scotland jersey as they prepare to face Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations Cup.
Houston was impressed by the Celtic skipper's overall performance in Sunday's Old Firm derby when his goal forced a Scottish Cup replay against Rangers. Craig Levein's number two, who watched the clash at Ibrox alongside the manager, was also happy with the efforts of the other Scots involved in the pulsating tie.
But he admits he is particularly excited about the prospect of seeing a fully-fit Brown flourish for Scotland, and said: "He's very important. The sad thing is, in the last couple of squads, he had that ankle injury and we have never seen the best of Scott Brown. He has been touch and go whether he's fit and, indeed, he's had to come out of a couple of squads."
He added: "Both Craig and I were at the game and I thought it was a very mature and professional performance from Scott Brown.
"He was urging the rest of the Celtic players on and brought Celtic back into a match they were losing.
"Great credit to him, it's always nice to see players who are in the Scotland squad doing particularly well.
"The Rangers lads did well too, Steven Naismith was a right handful in the first half and Allan McGregor's saves speak for themselves.
"Mark Wilson driving forward from the right back area was a threat to Rangers all day and then you've got Kris Commons scoring goals.
"The five players in this squad who played in the Old Firm match, their form is really good and that's pleasing for us."
Source: PA
