SCOTT BROWN has confirmed his retirement from professional football as a player.

The Celtic hero called time on his playing career this week and is now turning his full attention to starting life as a manager.

Brown - who was part of the Quadruple Treble winning Celtic side - had left Celtic last season and played for Aberdeen this term.

However, he left Pittodrie after Jim Goodwin's appointment as his coaching influence was limited.

And after a few weeks, Brown, 36, has decided to rule out a return to football as a player and is instead "excited" about the start of a new chapter in management.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Brown said: “It’s been a very difficult decision to call time on my playing career but I’ll be 37 next month and I feel the time is right for me to announce that I’m retiring in order to focus fully on becoming
a manager.

“It’s the end of one chapter but the start of a new one and I’m excited about what the future might hold."

Brown was heavily linked with the St Mirren job after Goodwin left for Aberdeen, but Stephen Robinson was appointed in Paisley.

The former Celtic skipper has already gone through his coaching badges and is hoping for an opportunity in the dugout.

Reflecting on his time at Celtic, Brown added: “Obviously I will cherish some amazing moments from my time and none better than winning so many trophies during my years at Celtic. So I’m delighted that the club is now about to celebrate winning the title back.

“I know how it feels to lift that trophy and how much hard work is required to win it.

“So I have to take my hat off to Ange Postecoglou for the job he has done in such a short space of time.

“I hope the manager and the players savour every moment.