James Forrest has urged Scott Brown to stay at Celtic and lead the fight to reclaim the title from Rangers.
The Hoops star believes the entire club is united behind his wish for skipper Brown to resist any advances from Aberdeen to become player-assistant boss if close pal Stephen Glass replaces Derek McInnes.
Brown’s 14-year spell at Parkhead could be set to end this summer with the 35-year-old becoming a free agent and speculation he could link up at Pittodrie with Glass whom he first met when they were team-mates at Hibs.
But Forrest is adamant Brown still has plenty to offer Celtic as a player.
He said: “With everything he has achieved here, he is such a big part of Celtic. On and off the park he has been unbelievable.
“If you look at his numbers you will see they are right up there with the very fittest players and he never misses training. So yes, it would be good if he stayed here for another year. I think everybody involved at the club – players, staff – wants that.
“I can see him playing here for another year and then it is about how he feels with his body.”
Forrest admits it is too strange to contemplate his pal at another Scottish club.
He added: “Since I came through I have always trained and played alongside Broony so it would feel really strange if he wasn’t here.
“It is something I don’t want to happen. Not so soon. He’s the only player who has been here since the very start for me and has been a big part in my career.
“It is up to him to determine his future but you could definitely see him going on to be a coach and a manager.”
