Scott Brown recently made his 400th appearance for Celtic and is coming to the end of his 10th year at the club, since joining from Hibernian in 2007.
Becoming captain in 2010, he’s one of the most decorated leaders in the history of Celtic Football Club, lifting an incredible 11 major honours with the Hoops.
Still just 31, he undoubtedly has a couple of good seasons left in him. Every great footballing story comes to an end though and in the next few seasons its likely Brown’s playing career at the club draws to a close. With his fair share of injury problems over the years and his style of play, he’s unlikely to be one of those modern players who manage to keep up a level of performance later into their 30s.
The emergence of exceptional talent at Celtic over the last few years has thrilled supporters and with Brown entering the twilight stages of his career, many are looking to the future and wondering who may take up the armband when Brown hangs up his boots.
Here are four contenders to become the new captain at the club Brown’s time passes…
Erik Sviatchenko
Erik Sviatchenko took the captain’s armband just 17 games into his Celtic career, leading the team out against St Johnstone last May. It was a sign of how much he made an impact last year when he signed in the January transfer window.
Since joining the club he’s struck up a real rapport with supporters and for most of 2016 showed genuine leadership qualities on the pitch, putting in a series of committed and strong performances, even when the rest of his teammates weren’t.
His form has dipped slightly since the turn of the year but on his day is one of the big characters in the team you’d expect to help grind out results and keep the Celtic machine rolling on.
He may not be Scottish, but given his affinity for the club and the fact he’s about to enter the prime of his career in the next few seasons, he’s certainly a contender to take the armband when Brown departs or stops playing as regularly.
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor is often the unsung hero of the Celtic set-up and supporters were even surprised when they realised his last match against Dundee was his 100th appearance for the Hoops. Still just 23 years old, he has plenty of room to emerge into the finished product at the club.
At times he draws criticism for being less composed and more likely to misplace a pass than his teammates, but he is trusted by Brendan Rodgers for a reason and obviously loves pulling on the Hoops and expressing himself on the pitch.
At his best he is a forward thinking, incisive midfielder that can unlock defences. With 7 assists and 3 goals, he is directly contributing to the Celtic cause.
If he can work on his defensive attributes it would add to his game greatly.
Given his number of appearances and young age, he’s definitely a contender to take the armband at Celtic in the future, especially if some of his arguably more talented teammates eventually move on.
Stuart Armstrong
There was a point last year when it looked like Stuart Armstrong may not have a long-term future at Celtic but those thoughts seem very stupid right now.
Under Brendan Rodgers he’s become the midfielder everyone thought the Hoops were buying from Dundee United in 2015. He’s excelled, most notably since around October, scoring a massive 12 goals from midfield and setting up 5 more.
Like Erik Sviatchenko, he’s also taken the captain’s armband in Brown’s absence recently, leading the Hoops to 2-1 home victory against Dundee in December.
That may be a hint towards where Brendan Rodgers sees his career going at Celtic, with some fans now tipping him to be a future Celtic and Scotland captain, after his virtuoso performance for his country on his debut on Sunday.
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney has become a bit of phenomenon with supports since making his debut two years ago. With 60 appearances under his belt, he’s become almost essential to the Celtic team and at just 19, appears to have a massive future ahead of him.
At times this season he’s been the captain on the pitch in all but name, driving his side forward and showing the spirit and determination to win.
His performances rarely dip in consistency which is what is so impressive, at his age you’d expect him to go through hot and cold spells, but that hasn’t been the case.
He has a natural swagger and confidence you need to be a captain of Celtic Football Club and as he matures, it’ll be hugely interesting to see if he truly becomes the future leader many fans hope he will be.
