Former Celtic player and assistant manager John Collins believes finding a replacement for captain Scott Brown should be the main priority for the summer transfer window.

The midfielder will turn 36 in June and Collins thinks the holding midfield position needs to be occupied by someone who is younger and has the energy to fill the role:

“He knows the position well, he’s played it for well over a decade as a number six. But I’ve said it before. He’s 35 going on 36. He’s not the future. Celtic have to find a replacement in the summer transfer window for Scott Brown. Because it’s such an important position in the team – sitting in front of that back four. You’re a play-maker when you’re in possession, but out of the possession you’re going right and left protecting that back four.”

While Brown has been a fantastic servant to the club, it is undoubtedly the time to look for his replacement. The strange thing is, though, there is already one option in the squad which is being overlooked.

Ismaila Soro has performed well when called upon but he has been given limited minutes by manager Neil Lennon recently, while the arrival of Liam Shaw from Sheffield Wednesday could be another potential solution.

Brown’s decline this campaign has epitomised Celtic’s fall from grace, and a massive rebuild will be needed at the end of the season to ensure they can begin to challenge for the title again.