Scott Brown insists Celtic form is proof Scotland retirement was right call as he reveals international 'drain'

Scott Brown admits he'd love to help Scotland's faltering bid to reach Euro 2020 - but says his body just wouldn't allow it.

Steve Clarke has admitted a leader needs to emerge from within his group with Brown now off the scene.

His final retirement from the international game 19 months ago left a gaping void in the national squad.

But while Brown’s heart aches when he watches Scotland lose he knows his body would ache even more if he was still with them – and possibly even break if he tried another comeback.

Brown would love to have been out there trying to pin down Aleksandr Golovin and Kevin de Bruyne as the Russian and Belgian playmakers created chaos.

But in his heart and his limbs he knows it’s no longer possible if he wants stay on top of things at Celtic .

Brown swapped the green grass of Hampden for some fairways and the couch ahead of the next glut of games for his club, starting against Hamilton and said: “I was delighted to get the break. I played golf, chilled out and spent some time with the kids as well.

“I was away with Steven Whittaker and it was good to switch off and not chat too much about football.

“It was about how bad our golf is and how bad the Scottish weather is. It’s good for me to get some time, especially as I am a little bit older now too.

“I had a couple of days here and there and recharged the batteries.

“I’d love to be able to go and help and keep playing for Scotland.

“But you just know when the time is right for yourself and your body and I do notice a huge difference. I’m coming off 10 days without a game right now.

Scott Brown, Megan Cunningham, Chloe Craig and Cheryl McCulloch (SNS Group)

“I was still training but it’s not as hard as what the guys had to do against Russia and Belgium. Those were two hard games, it’s physically and mentally draining.

“I feel my body is as good as it can be now because I am getting the extra rest. There are more international breaks in October and November and then we have time off in January.

“I spoke to the gaffer and he will give me a rest at times, like against Dunfermline. I can push myself as I know I will get that recovery.”