Neil: Don't lose your edge Scott

Jun 8 2008 By Gavin Berry

NEIL LENNON sees the same devilish streak in Scott Brown that he had himself as a youngster and insists it would be a real shame if the midfielder lost it.

But the Celtic coach has warned Brown to stamp out the rash challenges which resulted in the silly bookings that ultimately cost him a first-team place last season.

The 22-year-old was shown 13 yellow cards in his debut year at Parkhead but the one against Gretna in March resulted in suspension and his replacement Barry Robson grabbed his chance with both hands.

That meant the £4.4million signing was left to play a bit-part role for the crucial season run-in as he failed to live up to the hype surrounding his move from Hibs.

However, Brown also had to deal with his sister Fiona's battle with skin cancer which she tragically lost at the age of just 21.

Lennon now aims to help the player focus and reckons he can recapture the form that made him such a hit at Easter Road.

The Irishman said: "I see the same attitude in Scott as I had when I was young.

"He's a nice boy but just full of the devil and you don't want to take that out of him.

"He has a swagger and we don't want to knock that out of his game.

"But he was suspended and lost his place and that side of things is something we have to look at.

"We have to cut the rashness in his game, those stupid bookings that cost him his place in the team for the run-in.

"Scott just needs to channel his energy.

"It will come because although he's been around for a while he's still young.

"Scott probably knows himself he needs to change so he doesn't lose his place in the squad.

"He might see last season as a disappointment but I don't because the club ended up winning the league.

"He has had a lot to deal with off the park and he handled himself brilliantly.

"The price tag wasn't Scott's fault so he doesn't have to justify that but at least now he knows what's expected of him."

Another player who now knows what it takes to succeed in the SPL is Italian Massimo Donati.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Glasgow after failing to make an impact after his arrival from AC Milan.

But Lennon expects Donati to show what he can do this term.

And with the midfield duo of Robson and Paul Hartley performing heroics the Hoops coach expects great competition for places.

He said: "Massimo is a top player. I watched him in our 1-0 win against Aberdeen and he was superb.

"I'm hoping for a big season from him next year.

"The lads who came in at the end did great. Paul and Barry were like a couple of dogs and that's what we needed for those type of games.

"It's good to have guys fighting for positions."