Scott Brown has ditched Celtic hardman image and banter with the boys but he has personality to make it

Kevin Thomson admits he struggles to take Scott Brown seriously now he’s given his hard-man image the chop.

But the former Hibs and Rangers ace insists no-one should have any doubts over his best mate’s determination to succeed in management.

Retired Celtic and Scotland skipper Brown is taking his first steps as a boss after accepting an opportunity at English League One outfit Fleetwood.

The career change has prompted an image update, with the 36-year-old ditching the clippers and his trademark cropped look as he seeks to put some distance between his new role and his days as Scottish football’s most combatant midfield enforcer.

In its place has come slick side-shed but the new appearance is taking some getting used to for long-time friend and former Easter Road partner Thomson.

But then again, the ex-Ibrox star has long known the bald truth about Broony is that there is much more to him than his on-field pantomime persona would suggest.

Asked about his old team-mate’s new hair-do, Thomson told Record Sport : “I wish I had some of it myself.

“It’s hard to take him seriously now having known him for so long with that hardman look!

“But to be honest, that hard exterior you saw when he had his game face on during matches is not the boy you meet off the pitch.

“He’s loved by people at the clubs he’s played at and that’s not me just saying that because he’s my mate.

“He has a prestige and people respect him. But he is also a humble lad.

“He comes from a working-class background. I used to go for lunch with his parents Heather and Brian when we were at Hibs and trained at Dalgety Bay. They’re lovely people.

“So his persona on the field is totally different off it - but a lot of people won’t want to see that side of