Brown denies he moved for money after Murray claim

SCOTT Brown insists the opportunity to win trophies was his motivation behind joining Celtic - not cold, hard cash.

The Scotland midfielder joined Celtic from Hibernian this summer in a deal worth 4.5 million, after the Scottish champions beat competition from English clubs and Rangers.

Ibrox chairman Sir David Murray revealed at the weekend that Rangers failed in their bid because he was unwilling to blow the club's wage structure in a bid to land the 22-year-old.

But Brown said: "Nobody knows what I'm on. People may think they know what I'm on, but it's totally different. I chose Celtic because I wanted to play for Celtic. They were a dominant force in Scotland last season, they won trophies and got to the last 16 of the Champions League. That's why I want to be here. I want to win trophies here and go as far as possible in the Champions League."

Brown added: "I hope I play every week, I want to play every week. If I don't, I'm going to have to show the gaffer what I'm made of in under-21 games and in training. I've learned under every manager. I learned under John Collins and Tony Mowbray and I will learn under Gordon Strachan as well."

Celtic will discover their opponents in the third qualifying round of the Champions League when they draw is made in Nyon tomorrow. They reached the last 16 of the tournament last season, only exiting to eventual winners AC Milan after extra-time.

Brown's experience of European football so far is limited; Hibs were sent crashing out of the Intertoto Cup by Lithuanian side Vetra in 2004, before suffering a 5-1 aggregate thrashing to Dnipro of Ukraine a year later.

Now he is hoping the experience gained from those games will stand him in good stead when Celtic's European campaign begins in earnest.

He said: "Hibs haven't had the best of luck in Europe, but we had a few good games, which have helped me get used to playing in Europe. This time last year, watching the Champions League, I couldn't have imagined I would be playing there this season."

Kenny Miller believes Brown is already showing signs he will be worth every penny Celtic paid for him.

And the striker believes the acquisition of Brown will also make his own job easier. "The way he plays the game is perfect for a striker," said Miller. "He goes past men, he picks up positions in between midfield and attack, commits defenders and slips passes to forwards. We've already seen that from him in a few of the friendly matches. He drives forward and is always looking for the pass. That's what Scott is all about and he'll be a major player for Celtic."

But, despite the Clydesdale Bank Premier League season getting under way this weekend, Celtic - and Rangers - will be forgiven for having one eye on the Champions League draw tomorrow.

Miller told the Celtic View: "The Champions League is really important for the club, the fans and the players.

"We need to get back into the group stages this season. You can get anybody in the third qualifying round, but we need to look after ourselves.

"We have two games and the lads will need to deliver big performances. It's absolutely vital that we reach the Champions League."