Rodgers pleased with Brown's Scotland U-turn

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has applauded Scott Brown's loyalty after the midfielder decided to come to Gordon Strachan and Scotland's aid.

Brown has reversed his international retirement after three Scotland matches and made himself available for the World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley.

Rodgers has previously spoken of the benefits of Brown's decision to quit Scotland after the 31-year-old's resurgence in the early part of the season.

But he respects his captain's decision to put himself up for selection for the November 11 game, which could be pivotal in former Celtic manager Strachan's future as national team manager after Scotland collected four points from their opening three qualifiers.

Rodgers said: Scott spoke to me in the week, I gave him what I think were the positives for him and maybe what the concerns would be. But I think it's a great opportunity.

Scott Brown is someone who has always stood up for his country. I don't know too many bad games he has had whenever I have seen Scotland play.

He sees not only his country stuck with some injuries, but he sees a man he has huge admiration for in Gordon Strachan going through the mill a wee bit.

And you have to admire that in someone. The type of man he is, he wouldn't like to see people he is loyal to stuck. And I totally respect it.

He has made himself available for his game to help them out if he is selected.

And there is no doubt about it, I will go down to the game myself, and I know that Scotland will be a better team with Scott Brown play in it. And I will look forward to seeing him.''

Speaking at Pittodrie after Celtic's 1-0 victory over Aberdeen, Rodgers added: You saw today how dominant he was, how good he was, and that can only be good for Scotland. He is an outstanding player and it's a great tonic for Scotland.''

Rodgers said he thought Brown's Scotland pledge was just for this game'' but went on to say he would look at the situation after the Auld Enemy contest.