Brown backing old pal Thomson to recover from latest injury setback

Celtic skipper Scott Brown has backed his friend and former Old Firm rival Kevin Thomson to bounce back from his latest injury nightmare.

Thomson had recovered from two serious knee injuries before he left Rangers for Middlesbrough this summer but his Riverside career came to a shuddering halt at the weekend when he broke his fibula against Leicester City and he is expected to be out of action for six weeks.

Brown, who shared a flat with Thomson when they were both at Hibs, said: "I spoke to him the other day and I'm devastated for him. He was flying at the start of pre-season and got his move and two games into the season that happens. I spoke to him and his head is high.

"We just wish him all the best. He will get through it no bother. He is a strong character and he will get in the gym and come back flying, hopefully."

Brown believes the new-look Celtic squad is in good shape ahead of the first leg of their Europa League play-off against Utrecht tomorrow night. Hoops' manager Neil Lennon has signed eight new players in the summer and has not yet finished spending. Brown said: "We are looking like a good team and are all getting used to each other. The new players are gelling fine and they all speak good English as well.

"We have a laugh and a joke and it's looking good."