Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has revealed that he would not be surprised to see club captain Scott Brown manage Celtic one day, but has insisted that for now the player deserves the time and space necessary to decide upon his next career step.

Brown is wanted by Australian side Western Melbourne who were granted passage into Australia’s A-League this week. They have identified Brown as the player they wish to bring in as a marquee signing when his current deal at Celtic expires at the end of this season.

Whether there is a stint in Australia or not to bring his playing days to a close, Rodgers expects that Brown will ultimately find a niche in management.

“Absolutely. No doubt,” said the Celtic manager. “He is a really influential figure in the changing room and like I say, whatever happens in the future there will always be a role back here at Celtic. You never know, he might one day do what Neil Lennon did and captain the club for so long and then move into management, if he is mad enough!

“He has leadership qualities and skills, absolutely. There is a lot of work that needs to go into it – in terms of coaching and organisation. And I think the next ten years is interesting from a managing perspective – he would have to deal with all that side, the self-interest of players and work along that.

“There are a lot of things involved now in coaching and management which are growing every year. But I do not think there is any doubt – it’s a route he wants to go down, and I am sure he will do very, very well.”