TONY MOWBRAY received good news today when Scott Brown said he would be fit to line up in Celtic's opening Champions League qualifier on June 28-29.

TONY MOWBRAY received good news today when Scott Brown said he would be fit to line up in Celtic's opening Champions League qualifier on June 28-29.

The midfielder cancelled a holiday to have surgery on an injured ankle on Monday, and will miss the start of pre-season training.

However, the operation was a complete success, and Brown is already targeting a quick return to the gym, then the training pitches at Lennoxtown.

He said: "I had the op on Monday night, and although it feels pretty sore right now, I've been told I'll be back training next week.

"I should be able to sprint in a little less than four weeks.

"I'm a fit lad, so I see no reason why I should miss the start of the season.

"The medical staff are confident I'll be ready to play in the qualifiers.

"It wasn't a major operation, just keyhole stuff."

Brown explained he had hoped to avoid the knife, but a decision was made to go for it to ensure he would be in the best possible condition for the start of next season.

He said: "I was in a bit of pain and needed injections to play the last few games of the season.

"That hasn't really helped in the long run because I've had to go under the knife.

"But I'm desperate to play in the qualifiers and help the manager get off to the best start."

Meanwhile, Brown's former Hoops team-mate, Shunsuke Nakamura, is looking forward to making a fresh start in Spain having signed a two-year deal with Espanyol.

The Japan midfielder said: "I don't know whether I can get a regular position.

"I want to give all I have because playing in Spain has been a dream."