EXPERIENCE rather than empathy is what Scott Brown is willing to bring to the fluid transfer situation currently enveloping Celtic.

A few months ago, the Hoops skipper was deliberating over his own future.

Should he sign the new contract the club were offering to replace the one in its final throes?

Or, after seven years in Paradise, was it time to jump on the gravy train south?

Kris Commons is now the man in the middle of that quandary, like his skipper before him, acutely aware what a big call his decision is at this key point in his career.

At the same time, Gary Mackay-Steven is preparing to move into Parkhead.

But, having signed on a pre-contract agreement, the Dundee United winger faces the prospect of a difficult final few months at Tannadice, unless Celtic can broker a deal to bring him to Glasgow before this window closes.

Again, Brown knows what it is like to be caught in that particular spotlight, having watched Hibs team-mate Gary Caldwell endure a torrid time after it became known he had agreed to join Celtic at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old knows what a tough spot both positions can be.

But Brown reckons the central figures are streetwise enough to cope without his intervention, and, as the drama unfolds, is satisfied to retain a role as a very interested spectator.

If he had his way, however, when the window closes on February 2, the squad which Ronny Deila has for the remainder of the season would contain both Commons and Mackay-Steven.

Indeed, he would be happier still if both men were able to form a potent partnership well beyond this season.

But Brown recognises his place, and it is not in the face of Commons as he attempts to reach a decision on where his future lies.

"It is more up to Kris what he wants to do next," said the longest-serving player at the club.

"It's not about me telling him he better sign and me holding his head underneath the water.

"It is between him and the club, and whatever (decision) they come to will be up to the the two of them."

Brown does concede, however, losing the man who was Player of the Year and top scorer last season would be a blow.

"We all know how important Kris is," said Brown. "He scored 30 goals last season, is a great pro and a great player for this club."

Attributes which also make him a man in demand from clubs, like Bolton, who know how much he would improve their team.

Deila is also in the business of making his side better - with or without Commons.

The first step in that direction has been taken with the acquisition of Mackay-Steven, who first came to the attention of the Norwegian when he continued to cause the Hoops problems with his direct running despite his team crashing 6-1 at Celtic Park back in August.

Brown was in the stands that day, nursing the hamstring tear he had suffered in pre-season.

But he has played against Mackay-Steven and trained with him while on Scotland duty, and is a paid-up member of the flying machine's fan club.

"I think it's a great signing," was the welcome message from the skipper.

"He's got pace, he's got skill, and we've been lacking a bit of pace recently with James Forrest out injured.

"I am sure he will bring a lot to our club."

The only question left is, when will be bring this?

Mackay-Steven is double cup-tied domestically, but Brown said: "It would be great for us to get him in the January window. It would boost our squad."

As it stands, Mackay-Steven may not be fully appreciated where he will be playing for the next few months as some United fans could react negatively to his decision.

Brown reckons it is a test of character, as it was with Caldwell, and said: "It's always hard, but you just have to get on with it.

"You still have to play for your club, and you have still to give 100 per cent. I am sure Gary will."

As Brown did when it became public knowledge he had agreed to join Celtic in a £4.4million move at the end of the 2006-07 season.

His final game for Hibs, ironically, came at Easter Road against Celtic, and he earned applause from both sets of fans as he ripped into his soon-to-be team-mates - even scoring - in the manner which is simply in his DNA.

It's an uncompromising example both Commons and Mackay-Steven would be advised to follow, whatever path their career takes them in the next few weeks.