Scott Brown has hailed the role of Callum McGregor at Celtic, insisting he is the best captain the club could have possibly hoped for.

McGregor took over the armband from Brown after he departed the club back in 2021, as he headed for Aberdeen as a player/coach.

Brown would then depart the Dons and take on a management role in his own right as he moved to Fleetwood Town.

But in the meantime, McGregor has been in fine form and has already lifted a Scottish Premiership trophy and two League Cups as skipper.

Brown said: "I always knew Callum McGregor was the right one for the job. He loves the club and wants to be here. He came through the youth ranks and knows what the fans want and expect as well.

"That is a huge thing for a captain of a football club. When I got thrown into the role at a young age I was a little bit naive at the time.

"Cal understands because he has gone through those stages and got his badges by going out on loan. He should be captain of this club because the way he conducts himself, his energy about the building and his personality. He is a born winner as well."

Brown insisted he would love for McGregor to surpass his trophy haul as skipper.

He added: "The good old cliche one at a time. Just concentrate on the league and the cup coming up - but it’s not about looking too far into the future. It’s about him maintaining his form, which he’s doing very well so far."

Meanwhile, Brown has revealed the player he would most like to play alongside in the current Celtic team.

He said: "Definitely Reo in the middle of the park. He has great energy and the older I got it would have been great to play alongside him so he could have done some of my running.

"Kyogo always plays with a smile on his face. I just enjoy watching their energy. Jota seems to be enjoying his football as well.

"It is good that they have got that turnaround and the board have backed the manager which is fantastic. You back the manager and he has the quality to come in as well. His recruitment has been exceptional."