Celtic manager Neil Lennon has played down speculation over the future of captain Scott Brown.
Boss believes skipper is good enough for Serie A
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has played down speculation over the future of captain Scott Brown.
Brown's future has been subject to conjecture in recent weeks with clubs in Italy believed to be keen on securing his services.
Inter Milan and Juventus are two of the sides said to be keeping an eye on the 25-year-old midfielder, who has become a mainstay of the Hoops side as skipper.
But Lennon says any talk over his player's future is simply rumour at this stage - although he hastened to add that the Scottish international could ply his trade in Serie A.
He said: "I think he is a very good player. I think it is just speculation at the minute but it wouldn't surprise me.
"I think he could play there, yes. A lot of people don't, but I do.
"He's been a very consistent performer for me and I probably wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for the likes of Scott Brown."
Lennon is also keen to keep hold of striker Georgios Samaras, with the 39-year-old revealing he would speak to the Greek player's agent over a new contract next month.
Reports had circulated suggesting youngster James Forrest had been offered new terms, however Lennon refuted such claims.
Asked about the possibility of the 19-year-old penning a deal, Lennon added: "No.
"He signed a contract recently, last year or the year before and he has two or three years left on his contract but if he keeps progressing the way he is doing we will have a look at it."
