Celtic tick Brown's boxes - agent

Scott Brown’s agent believes the player’s decision to snub a lucrative move to England in favour of Celtic is good news for Scotland boss Alex McLeish.

Willie McKay claimed last night that the Hibernian midfielder, 21, has agreed a move to the Scottish champions after the Easter Road outfit gave him permission to talk to other clubs.

Brown has three Scotland caps, most recently making his first start in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy in Bari, to much acclaim.

The highly-rated youngster has also been named in McLeish’s squad for the friendly against Austria in a fortnight and next month’s qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

And McKay reckons his decision to remain in Scotland can only be a positive as far as the national team boss is concerned.

“It’s great for Alex McLeish that the talent is staying in Scotland,” the agent said.

Rangers, Tottenham, Everton and Middlesbrough were all linked with Brown in January.

But, while club-mate and close friend Kevin Thomson moved to Ibrox, he remained at Easter Road when the transfer window closed.

Boro confirmed they held talks with the player this week but McKay says Celtic won the race for his signature because they “ticked all the boxes.”

He told Scotland Today: “It’s a fantastic move for Scott. He is going to a very big club, who will be playing in the Champions League next year.

“Scott and his family are delighted he is going to Celtic.

“There were a host of clubs after Scott and some English clubs offered more money.

“But Celtic ticked all the boxes for Hibs and for his personal terms. He is delighted to join Celtic.”