It was almost written in the stars when Scott Brown was touted with the vacant managerial role at St Johnstone this week. 

Of course, their next opponents would be Celtic. A place that holds a special place in Brown's heart, given he won 22 trophies during a 14-year spell at the club. 

After hanging up his boots in May 2022 following a short stint with Aberdeen, the former Celtic captain has transitioned into coaching and then subsequently football management. 

(Image: SNS) He was briefly involved on the training pitch when Stephen Glass was in the Pittodrie hot seat before being appointed head coach of Fleetwood Town.

His one full season at the English League One club ended with the team in 13th place. But he was sacked just six games into the next campaign after picking up a solitary point.

From that point, he has been in charge of Ayr United since January 2024 and has the West Coast outfit on the rise.

They sit first in the Scottish Championship table, which has led to the likes of current Hoops skipper Callum McGregor tipping the 39-year-old to work in the top-flight. 

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St Johnstone are in need of a replacement for Craig Levein, who was relieved from his role on September 17 following four straight defeats. 

(Image: SNS Group) Brown, Aberdeen coach Peter Leven, and Larne's Tiernan Lynch were believed to be the frontrunners on the Perth club's shortlist.

But it's reported that the Celtic legend opted to turn down further talks about the role following an initial chat with owner Adam Webb on Wednesday. 

That's now left the Saints prioritising the other two alternatives. 

St Johnstone are now currently seeking approval to initiate discussions with both Leven and Lynch.

Leven effectively stabilised the Dons during two separate stints as interim manager last season, while Lynch has achieved consecutive league titles in Northern Ireland.