Scott Brown spots the Celtic tactic Rangers are deploying this summer transfer window
Rangers and Celtic are both looking to enter this season strongly with transfer work.
Scott Brown reckons Rangers are taking a leaf out of Celtic’s book this summer transfer window under the guidance of new boss Derek McInnes.
The former Aberdeen manager and Ibrox star has arrived in Govan after leading Hearts to a second-placed Premiership finish last term. He will hope to wrestle the title away from Martin O’Neill who has been named permanent Celtic manager after clinching the league title and Scottish Cup across two caretaker stints.
Rangers and Hearts have been busy in the transfer market, but Celtic are yet to make signing, but Brown doesn’t expect that fact to last too long. Rangers have made signings from clubs in England and Scotland which Brown thinks is a repeat of recruitment tactics Celtic have used over recent years.
Scott Brown on Premiership title race between Celtic, Rangers and Hearts
He told BBC Sport Scotland: "I think it's going to be a three-legged race yet again. I think Hearts have been an actual delight for Scottish football. They've done really, really well. I thought Derek did a fantastic job and Martin's come in at the right point in time.
"If Martin was there for the whole time, Celtic win the league, nice and easy, but Del's went to Rangers now and he's a very, very good man-manager and he brings out the best of people. Looking at what he does and how he deals with his team, he'll bring in some more Scottish people, English-based people, that understand the club and the culture as well, which, to be fair, I think Celtic's done really well over the years."
One player Celtic have signed on a new deal is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder has joined up with O’Neill’s side for a warm weather training camp after agreeing on terms to a 12-month extension with the champions.
Why has Alex Oxlade Chamberlain returned to Celtic?
He told club media: "I'm just delighted that it's been able to get done and excited to come in at the start of this season to feel like I've got a proper season with the boys and a pre-season. It wasn't straightforward at all for us for the back end of that season and how exciting it was. Obviously a dream ending for us all.
"I really liked the changing room, the lads, the manager, the coaching staff. I really enjoyed the challenge the whole time. And then it was just a no-brainer for me. Just the fans and how special it was to see that and feel that and be a part of that. I was just delighted and really excited to be able to try and do that for one more year."