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Scott Brown has admitted he was left gutted by Rangers’ emphatic Scottish Cup victory, but the Celtic icon has reluctantly acknowledged that their rivals are showing a key characteristic often associated with champions as the Premiership title race heats up.
Now manager of Ayr United, Brown was working as a pundit on BBC Sportscene during Falkirk’s Scottish Cup win over Stenhousemuir when the quarter-final draw paired Celtic with Rangers. That draw followed a brutal earlier result at Ibrox, where Rangers demolished Championship side Queen’s Park 8-0 under new boss Danny Rohl.
Rangers’ form has surged in recent weeks, lifting them into second place in the Premiership, just three points behind leaders Hearts and ahead of Celtic in what is shaping up to be a fierce three-way title battle. Brown, however, had been hoping history might repeat itself after Queen’s Park famously knocked Rangers out of the cup last season.
### Brown’s frustration at Rangers’ big win
Asked for his reaction to the scoreline during the broadcast, Brown did not hide his disappointment.
“Yeah, obviously I was devastated when I saw it,” he admitted. “I was hoping for a take two and Queen’s to do it again. But it’s always difficult going to Ibrox, especially when you’re a league below. Rangers are in a real run of form just now – they’re scoring goals and winning games. They’ve put themselves in a strong position and now they’re back in the hat. We’ll see how far they can go.”
While presenter Jonathan Sutherland suggested Rangers might currently be the most in-form of the top three, Brown was quick to push back, insisting Celtic and Hearts remain firmly in contention.
### The trait Brown concedes Rangers possess
Despite his Celtic allegiance, Brown conceded that Rangers have begun to show something that separates good sides from truly successful ones.
“Don’t say that – you can’t say that!” he laughed, before adding more seriously: “Celtic are right there, and Hearts have been unbelievable this season. Derek McInnes has done a fantastic job with the budget he’s had – he’s right up there for manager of the year, along with John McGlynn.
“But Rangers, sadly to say, are in good form. They’re finding their feet and they’re winning games. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be pretty. They’re grinding results out – and that’s what top teams do.”
Brown stressed that all three contenders are winning ugly when required, especially during a period of poor pitches and growing injury lists across the league.
### Brown on Celtic’s cup resilience
The former Parkhead captain also reflected on Celtic’s own Scottish Cup progress after their dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Dundee. Celtic looked on the brink before debutant striker Junior Adamu struck deep into stoppage time to force extra time, with Sebastian Tounekti quickly sealing the win.
Brown praised Dundee boss Steven Pressley for his organisation but admitted Celtic’s late equaliser proved decisive.
“That first Celtic goal is a killer for Dundee. It’s a brilliant bit of skill and a great finish from Junior on his debut. Then to lose another goal a minute into extra time just knocks the confidence right out of you.”
He added that Celtic’s ability to keep pushing after scoring remains a hallmark of their success.
“That relentlessness – scoring, then going again – that’s what Celtic teams have always done. Martin’s come back in, steadied things, and he’s winning games. They’ll grind results out, get players up to speed, and the loan players will help too. Celtic need that winning rhythm, and it’s good to see it coming back.”
As the title race and Old Firm cup showdown loom, Brown’s verdict is clear: Rangers are finding ways to win, Celtic are rediscovering their edge, and Hearts are refusing to go away – setting the stage for a gripping run-in.
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