THE players in the current Celtic squad deserve every plaudit they get for clinching nine-in-a-row, equalling the incredible record first set by Jock Stein’s historic side of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Club captain Scott Brown stressed that doing so has been an accumulative effort – driven by the men in the dugout over the last 10 years.

“It’s amazing for the gaffer,” Brown told Celtic TV. “He first came in when things weren’t going right, he came in and did really well, got a team organised, and we started kicking on. Then, we were in a great position when Brendan left, and he’s kicked us on again and we’ve won two league titles from there.

“It shows you that no matter what time he comes in, the manager’s a winner, he always wants to be here, he’s got the love for the club, and he’s got the backing of all the lads as well. Let me say that his half-time pep talks have changed so much from the first time he was here as manager as well!”

Between Neil Lennon’s first and second spells in charge of Celtic – during which times he won the first three of the current run, and the latter two – Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers led the Hoops from the sidelines.

Brown added: “Ronny and Brendan were huge for us in this nine-in-a-row run as well. When Ronny came in, we had the opportunity to do the treble as well, and the semi-final against Inverness with the hand-ball decision meant it wasn’t to be.

“I think some people thought that was our chance to get the treble, and then Brendan came in and we did it three years in a row. I don’t think anyone could have even dreamed of us doing it that well, and being dominant in Scotland for as long as we have been.”

Captain: Here’s to the managers of nine-in-a-row