ALAN BRAZIL thought it had to be a wind-up when Celtic applied for a UEFA exemption in order to appoint Ange Postecoglou as manager.

Parkhead chiefs had to appeal to the governing body to allow Postecoglou to take over as he did not hold a UEFA pro-licence.

And talkSPORT pundit Brazil did not take to the development well back in the summer as he questioned the appointment on-air.

Giving his immediate reaction to the news Postecoglou was set to become the new Celtic boss, Brazil said: "I'm not sure I want to read this out, to be honest.

"Is this a wind-up? Breaking news from Scotland as Celtic have applied for an exemption with UEFA for Yokohama Marinos boss Postecoglou to manage in Europe.

"He does not hold the required UEFA pro-licence. Oh this has got to be a wind-up, nah!

"He'll be a great manager. Where do they come up with these guys from?"

But now, with the season in the closing stages, Brazil has walked back on his criticism as he insisted he "knew (Postecoglou) would come good".

Postecoglou guided Celtic to a Premier Sports Cup triumph at Hampden and has his side six points clear at the top of the league with five matches left.

This morning Brazil was reminded of his initial comments on Postecoglou as co-host Ally McCoist demanded managers be backed in tough times "like you (Brazil) did with Ange".

Former Scotland striker Brazil shut-down the jibe as he claimed to know the appointment would work out.

And he added he would go and meet Postecoglou in the near future.

Brazil said: “I knew he would come good. I knew my man would come good.

“I’ll be going to see him soon.”