Scott puts his trust in Gord

Aug 10 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

CELTIC star Scott Brown has heaped praise on gaffer Gordon Strachan for helping him through the toughest year of his life.

When the Hoops were charging towards three-in-a-row and a last-16 spot in the Champions League, Brown was suffering personal heartache.

His sister Fiona died of skin cancer in May - yet the midfielder bravely battled on throughout her illness to help Celtic clinch the championship.

Brown (right) insists Strachan is the best in the business when it comes to man-management and intends to repay the Celtic boss for all his help during a daunting debut campaign.

The former Hibs ace said: "I couldn't have had a better manager. He kept me going and helped me deal with playing in the SPL and Champions League.

"He tells you what he thinks but you're allowed an opinion too.

"Everyone in the team can talk to him whenever they want - that's why he has been a success at all his clubs. Even when you have a dip in form you can speak to the gaffer.

"Every player will get that - you can't go through a full season on top form."

Brown admits the intense rivalry in Glasgow was something he had to get used to in his first year at Parkhead.

The 22-year-old said: "There is a lot of pressure. But if you want to play for a big club and win trophies you must deal with it.

"When I was at Hibs I could walk about in Glasgow and no one would notice me.

"However, as a Celtic player in Edinburgh everyone notices me."