Brown back to boost Hoops

Scott Brown is hoping to be back in action for Celtic for Saturday's clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

The 27-year-old skipper has only featured in the Champions League qualifiers so far this season because of an ongoing hip complaint. However, after enjoying a fortnight's rest after withdrawing from Scotland's 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header against Serbia and Macedonia, Brown feels fit enough for the weekend's trip to Perthshire. But, with an important Champions League group opener against Benfica coming up at Parkhead in midweek, boss Neil Lennon might keep him fresh for that. Brown, who hopes he does not require surgery on his hip, said: "I have had two weeks off resting and I will see if I can play tomorrow, if not, next Wednesday." Lennon may rest key players against Saints with one eye on the Benfica game, but striker Giorgios Samaras is sidelined for a month because of an elbow injury picked up playing for Greece last Friday.