burns hails midfield duo

David Friel
CELTIC first-team coach Tommy Burns paid tribute to midfielders Massimo Donati and Scott Brown and then predicted that there is much more to come from the talented duo.

Both players were impressive in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Parma at Celtic Park, with the Italian receiving the man of the match award and Brown getting a standing ovation after an energetic display.

“That was as good as the central midfield have played so far,” said Burns. “If I was Scott, I would leave it at that and never come back. He got a great reception from the supporters and I think he's going to do very well for us.

“Donati is getting better and better. It has been a different pre-season to what he has been used to, so it's a culture shock for him.

“He joined us in Switzerland and had to play a game three days later. We have seen in the last couple of weeks what type of player he is going to be for us.”

Celtic, who created a host of chances, beat the Serie A side courtesy of Aiden McGeady’s late strike.

"We can be reasonably pleased with the performance,” Burns added. “It is difficult to gauge the team in pre-season

"What happens in competitive games is what counts. Nothing is more important than that.”

Burns also confirmed that Artur Boruc is currently nursing a shoulder injury, which could keep him out of the team for a short spell. However, he backed stand-in goalkeeper Mark Brown to take his chance.

“Artur picked up the problem at Newcastle,” said Burns. "But big Mark has done well. He's a good lad, a good pro and he has conducted himself properly since he came to the club.”