Scott Brown makes ‘exceptional’ admission about Rangers League Cup final v Aberdeen
By Ollie Spencer
Ex-Celtic captain Scott Brown has had his say on Sunday’s Scottish League Cup Final, labelling any potential Aberdeen success against Rangers as “exceptional”.
Aberdeen, who Brown spent much of the 2021/22 season with as a player-coach, go into Sunday’s final as underdogs with the Dons currently languishing ninth in the Scottish Premiership whilst opponents Rangers are five points behind league leaders Celtic in second.
Although Rangers are the most successful team in Scottish League Cup history, winning the competition a record 27 times, Aberdeen have triumphed more recently, lifting the trophy in 2013/14, three years after Rangers’ last victory.
Speaking ahead of the final which takes place at Hampden Park on Sunday 17 December, Brown challenged Barry Robson’s side to forget their recent struggles and ensure they are fully focussed on the occasion.
“It would be exceptional if [Aberdeen] could [win the Scottish League Cup], and as it is against Rangers, they should turn up,” Brown said, as shown in a video clip by PLZ Soccer on Wednesday (13 December).
“It has to be a different game plan and I am sure [Robson] will have them set up all week making sure that they are ready for this and that they are focussed.
“All the fans will turn up in their thousands supporting them, so it will be a good game. It will be an enjoyable occasion as well, and hopefully [Aberdeen] get the silverware they have been looking for.”
European aspirations could play its part
Despite their obvious strength heading into the final, the biggest challenge for Rangers will be not letting their ambitions to progress in the Europa League derail their chances of ending their 13-year wait for Scottish League Cup glory.
Philippe Clement’s side have made the trip to southern Spain to take on Group C leaders Real Betis in a crunch tie in the final round of the group stages fixtures.
Having collected eight points from their first five group stage matches, Rangers sit in second, only one point ahead of Sparta Praha in third, meaning three points are required to ensure progression to the knockout rounds.
It is a competition the Gers have enjoyed recent form in, getting all the way to the final in 2021/22, only to narrowly lose on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt. Whilst the ambition will be to no doubt go one better this season, they must be cautious not to sacrifice their chances at domestic success.
The Scottish League Cup Final is available to watch in the UK on Viaplay with kick-off at 15:00.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been left baffled by an SFA decision as an Ibrox fine is to be paid within days.