Monday 17 April 2017 18:37, UK
Celtic captain Scott Brown's ability on the field is as essential as his passion according to former Hoops assistant manager Johan Mjallby.
The Ladbrokes Premiership champions are set to appeal against the late red card the influential midfielder picked up in the final stages of their 2-2 draw at Ross County on Sunday.
The challenge on Liam Boyce would normally result in a two-game ban, but the Scottish Football Association informed clubs in advance that all disciplinary hearings for incidents over the Easter weekend would take place on April 28.
Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, remain unbeaten domestically this season and are within two games of securing a domestic treble.
Speaking at a William Hill media function at Hampden Park, former Celtic defender Mjallby, currently manager of Swedish side Vasteras SK, spoke of Brown's stature and value in that quest.
Mjallby said: "He has drive and passion and his leadership qualities are second to none.
"He is very important member of this team, not only being the captain, as a footballer he sometimes doesn't get the credit he deserves.
"He is an aggressive player and he used to probably be more hot-headed than he has been in the last couple of seasons.
"He over-reacted and that was the wrong thing to do, but I don't mind, I like it, it is something you need to have inside you."
Mjallby was bemused by referee Don Robertson's decision to award a spot-kick to the home side after County's Alex Schalk went to ground inside the box without being impeded.
Boyce converted the spot-kick to earn the struggling Staggies a valuable point.
Mjallby was in the most recent Celtic team to win the treble, under Martin O'Neill in 2001. He expects Brendan Rodgers' side to equal that achievement this season.
"After the form they have shown this season and the players they have at their disposal and obviously a very good manager, I have to say they are big favourites to go all the way and win the treble," said Mjallby.
"They probably deserve it, but it is another two games where they have to be 110 per cent focused.
"They have to do all the good things they have done during the season and not complicate things.
"You have to play the football and right now that is probably going to be enough to win the treble, but there is still a very tricky game at the weekend.
"There is a lot of similarities to when we won the treble, our team won it early and this team won it earlier than we did.
"I don't think Brendan will have to motivate the players because they know what's at stake. A treble is something that won't happen that often."
