Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has no qualms about naming Scott Brown as his first captain as the nation embarks on a new era.
The Celtic skipper will lead the team out at Pittodrie tonight for the friendly against Estonia in the absence of the ill Darren Fletcher, who will resume the role when he gets back to full health.
Brown is adored by the Hoops fans but not so loved by supporters of other clubs, given his often abrasive style of play.
Strachan is well aware of that but he talked up the midfielder as a popular Mr Nice Guy off the park who will bring real leadership qualities to the team as they strive to revitalise both themselves and the long-suffering Tartan Army.
Asked if it was an easy choice to pick Brown Strachan replied: “I think so, yes. He is someone who is captain of his club just now and he has captained at a high level in the Champions League. He is also good with people. I don’t think I know of anyone who has met him who doesn’t get on with him.
“Even before training at the centre in Aberdeen today he was chatting away to all the staff and they loved his company. It is just when you meet him on the pitch he becomes a different person!
“When you see him on the TV he won’t exactly be many people’s best friend but I think a lot of people get like that when they play football. I hope in life you are judged by what you are like as a person and as a person he is different class.
“He has had a lot to deal with in his life both off and on the field and he is mentally strong. He is a bit like Lenny (Hoops boss Neil Lennon) in that respect because he doesn’t let what is going on around about him affect him as a football person.
“Also, he is a terrific player and that is why Celtic bought him from Hibs. You just have to let him go at times and he will do things that aren’t in the coaching manual.”
Strachan is looking for a great start to his tenure by beating the Estonians.
“It has been intense over the last two weeks whereas my life was floating along nicely for two years,” added the man who succeeds Craig Levein.
“I was waking up then saying I’ll go to the gym, then meet the grandchildren, go to the cinema then maybe do a game for ITV.
“Even when I was not involved in football I can’t remember one day when I was bored. I have things that fill up my life.
“Now the last thing I think about at night is zonal marking and I wake up in the morning thinking that I need to tell people this or that about the game. So that has changed completely.”
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