Scott Brown has insisted that he understands why Celtic have been targets of the boot boys this season.

The Celtic captain has maintained that he can appreciate the frustration playing against a Hoops side who are on the back of a domestic run that stretches to 31 games without defeat.

Kieran Tierney and Scott Sinclair have been on the end of some unsavoury challenges over the last few weeks but Brown was appreciative of players losing their disciple against Brendan Rodgers’ side, whom he thinks can be just too fast for some teams.

“I think people are getting annoyed with us continually winning,” said Brown “It does get frustrating – I’ve been there before myself.

“When people are fighting to get three points and you are two or three nil up, you keep the ball. There’s always going to be late tackles.

“It’s happened a few times. Some of them have been quite bad – the one on KT and Scotty n the past couple of games in particular. We just need to make sure that everyone is all right and keep the safety of the game.

“I think it’s always in the back of somebody’s mind. If we go two or three nil up and are keeping the ball and they are not getting a touch, it’s hard for everybody.

“I’ve been there against Barcelona when I’ve been one or two seconds too late. I know how it feels. All you can do is be that wee bit quicker. I’m sure the refs will get it right. Refs say they always welcome a chat but I try not to speak to them and stay focused on the game.”

Meanwhile, Brown has also backed Leigh Griffiths to come back and stake a claim for a regular place between now and the end of the season.

The striker is in contention for a place in today’s squad for the visit of Hamilton Accies after being waylaid with injury since the turn of the year.

Griffiths has been told to sharpen up his act off the field by Rodgers and Brown has maintained that the striker is as bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever.

“The wee man has been frightening in training,” said Brown. “That’s him back now and I know what it’s like when you get an injuries then pick up another one when you are coming back.

“But he is looking sharp and chirpy, so it will be good to have him back in the squad.”

Celtic are closing in on the current record of 25 league games without defeat but Brown is focussed simply on maintaining the standards that have been set this season.

“The way we want to go is by playing good, attractive football especially at Celtic Park for the fans,” said the Hoops captain.

“We’ve been doing that, winning games and we want to continue that for as long as we possibly can and the feeling in the camp now is that we can keep going for as long as we possibly can.

“We’re enjoying it, we’re enjoying our football and entertaining the fans in a stadium which is full. We’re just enjoying being here just now. That’s the main thing. That’s why this run is continuing because everyone is together. There are no individuals. The gaffer made that clear from day one.”