Kris Commons cites lack of leadership in Scotland ranks; calls for player like Celtic star Scott Brown

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Ex-Celtic star Kris Commons has told Football Scotland that Scotland boss Steve Clarke needs a ‘Scott Brown’ type of player in his team.

The Scots led Russia on Friday evening but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline at Hampden Park.

Commons won 12 caps for Scotland during his time as a player and the ex-Hoops magician thinks he knows what Clarke is lacking in his team.

He told Football Scotland: “There is some top, top players in that dressing room. Real good players. Experienced players.

“You need, and I’ll throw this name in there, someone like Scott Brown in the middle of the park.

“Someone who will dictate how the game is played. I think there were too many players on Friday who just let the game get away from them.”

Commons spent seven years at Celtic Park. He netted 91 goals in 226 appearances and adhered himself to the club’s supporters during his time at the club.

He feels that Brown would command respect, as he did when the pair played together for club and country.

Commons continued: “When you get called up to the Scotland squad you will be there with Rangers players, you’ve got Aberdeen players, players from down south.

“I just think when you are in a group like that, Scott Brown gets respect from everybody and that was the biggest thing for me when I was in the Scotland set-up.”

TBR Verdict – Brown would help but Scotland need a new hero

Commons is right to hint that Clarke’s team would be better off with Brown in the team but it is time for someone else to step-up.

The 34-year-old won 55 England caps but there are still enough leaders in the Scotland squad to be able to step-up.

The likes of Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn are all regulars in Premier League teams.

Brown’s day at international level as been and gone and although Commons is right to blast the lack of leaders, the man to provide that shouldn’t be the Celtic captain.