Scott Brown rung up Brendan Rodgers before saying no to St Johnstone as Celtic boss gave 'recommendation' over future

Brendan Rodgers won’t be squaring up with Scott Brown this weekend after all. But the Celtic boss is convinced it’s only a matter of time before they do meet as dugout rivals.

Brown turned down the chance to be St Johnstone boss this week – and the opportunity of a debut crack at the club where he holds legendary status. Rodgers wasn’t surprised at the decision as he revealed his former captain was on the blower to talk about the big opportunity to manage in the Premiership.

The advice given will remain between the pair but it’s fair to say the Hoops boss told his old favourite to bide his time and build on his superb start to life at Ayr United. It might not be too long before they do get to slug it out as gaffers anyway and Rodgers reckons his current captain Callum McGregor might be making a similar phone call to him in the future.

Rodgers said: “Probably. He's on that trajectory. If I'm still here and want it then we may well do. I think for him to manage at the top level here in Scotland. It’s only a matter of time. Whether that's with Ayr or someone else it's a matter of time.

“It was an open conversation and all I ever do is recommend. I would never tell anyone what to do when they ask advice. He knows his own mind. He knows that he's got a few people he can reach out to just to get a different perspective.

“Scott's doing a fantastic job at Ayr, him and Stephen (Whittaker) and his staff are doing really well there. They've obviously lifted Ayr into a really good place having joined them last season. I think for Scott there's no rush. I've got no doubt he'll be a really successful manager.

“For Scott it's not about a club for his next step, it's about the right club. I always think that, especially when you're a