Defender relieved over decision

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Celtic defender Adam Matthews is relieved that skipper Scott Brown has cancelled a planned operation on his hip injury.

"He's the soul of the team really" - Adam Matthews

Midfield enforcer Brown was on target at the weekend as the visitors emerged with a 3-1 victory following an impressive return to league action at Kilmarnock.

And the 27-year-old is set to deal with his current problem by continuing with injections and guidance from the medical staff at Parkhead, despite manager Neil Lennon still believing he needs surgery at some stage.

However, Welsh international full-back Matthews couldn't be more delighted at the latest developments: "Scott Brown was brilliant, he always is. " he enthused to the Daily Record. "Even with the injury he's got he is still one of our best players. But thank God he hasn't had the surgery. Off the park he's a great lad, he's always up to something.

"Whenever it's someone's birthday, he puts a little prank on them," Matthews continued. "There's always a lot of banter. He's the soul of the team really. He's the same behind the scenes as he is on the pitch. He's great to have in the dressing room."

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