Brown doesn't need a break

Brown: Wants to keep playing

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown insists he is not in need of a rest and is happy playing as many games for club and country as possible.

On Tuesday Bhoys assistant manager Mark Venus urged Scotland not to select Brown for next month's friendly in Japan if he was not fully fit.

Venus fears pushing Brown too hard too soon in the season could have an adverse reaction on his performances in the second half of the campaign.

However, Brown knows in any given season he could be playing upwards of 50 games, but is happy to carry that responsibility and workload.

"The more games the merrier," he told Celtic Magazine. "I played a lot of matches last season, and, hopefully, it's the case this year again.

Games galore

"You have 38 games in the SPL, and someone told me we'd have to play 19 in total - including the qualifiers - if we go all the way in the Europa League.

"Throw in cup games and internationals, and there will be a lot to keep us all occupied.

"That's ideal for me, though. I enjoy training, but nothing beats playing.

"I'm feeling better now and it's just great to be back in the team, getting regular 90 minutes under my belt.

"It's never ideal to be sitting in the stand when your team-mates are out there playing. I want to be out there fighting the battles with the players."