Former Celtic star Kris Ajer insists Scott Brown is still the 'best leader' he's ever met in his career.
The Norwegian defender, who is having a top season with high-flying Brentford in the English Premier League admits playing alongside the former Celtic captain was a privilege and that his character in the dressing room meant everyone had to focus. Brown's legendary Hoops career ended in 2021 with 22 major honours before he took up a position as manager at Fleetwood Town.
Ajer, when asked about big derby games against Rangers ahead of Sunday's Viaplay Cup final, admits the former Aberdeen man would be the coolest head in the locker room. But the 24-year-old, who made over 110 appearances for Celtic and won the treble treble, believes Brown is often misunderstood for his on-field personality.
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He told the Celtic View podcast: "It's very easy to mention the biggest leader I've ever met in football - Scott Brown. To have Broony in your squad is difficult to describe really.
"He meant so much to the club and what he gave to it for so many years was amazing. To have him on your side and not the opposition's is huge in games like this.
"What was amazing about Broony was that people don't know what he's like in the dressing room, away from the 90 minutes. He was such a friendly guy in the dressing room by taking care of everyone, making sure everyone felt welcome.
"The most amazing this was the moment he switched from the banter in to the focus for the game where he didn't have to shout, just to tell us some encouraging messages. When Broony got focused we had to get focused too. Leading by example."
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