ABERDEEN manager Stephen Glass claims that Celtic were 'desperate' to keep a hold of club captain Scott Brown this summer before the combative midfielder decided to move to Pittodrie.

Brown had spent 14 highly succesful years at Parkhead, becoming one of the most decorated players in the Glasgow club's illustrious history before opting to join the Dons on a free transfer during the close season.

The 36-year-old has since been appointed as Aberdeen's skipper by Glass, with the manager paying tribute to the veteran's leadership abilities in an interview with football journalist Graham Hunter.

It's these qualities that Glass is already seeing from Brown, with the former Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dunfermline midfielder insisting that he is the type of character that any footballer would want in their team.

Glasgow Times:

"He could have stayed at Celtic - they were desperate to keep him," he told Hunter's Big Interview podcast.

"Everybody loves him. Guys that have hated him love him. If you hated Scott Brown and now he plays for your team do you not want your team to win because Scott Brown plays for them?

"He wanted to be involved in the coaching staff. He’s driven, he wants to get better, he wants to learn everything about managing and coaching while still focusing on being one of the best professionals at the club.

"In terms of leadership on the pitch I don’t think there’s anyone better and he’s proved it over the last 15 years. And he’s already proved it in a red jersey.

"He puts demand on everybody. The young players. I’ve seen it. Everybody in the whole club can feel.

"He’s got a presence. I spoke to him over the years but you’re away and on the phone all the time and I’d forgotten how much of a physical presence he’s got when you meet him - he’s an imposing character."