THOSE who claim not to care what anyone else thinks about them tends to the type to care more than most.

You’ll know the sort They strut around as if their skin was made of iron, finding humour in the supposed short-comings in others, but can’t take even the slightest ribbing.

Scott Brown is not one them. The Celtic captain genuinely does not give a farthing.

His old team-mate and pal Kevin Thomson, a few years ago, said that if people thought ‘Broony’ talked a lot, they should have seen him as a kid coming through the ranks at Hibernian.

Whether it’s arrogance or self-confidence, the 33-year-old does what he wants, in the manner of his choosing, and if he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, not a wink of sleep will be lost.

In many ways, Brown hasn’t changed from the first time he sat down with the Press. He was a teenager back then, cocky of course, with the energy of 100 atomic bombs. Now he’s a veteran, Celtic’s third most decorated player, and a legend at the club he joined 12 years ago.

The Fifer has two years to go and then that will be it. Probably. One push for ten in a row, which will take him close to 600 games for the club. He’s as happy not as he’s ever been. Annoying opponents and inspiring team-mates in equal measure.

“I think I’m enjoying every single game more,” said Brown. “Knowing I am coming towards the end of my career does that.

“To be playing, whether it’s games in training or games in front of 60,000 people, is important. I’m playing with a smile on my face, I’m more relaxed when it comes to keeping the ball.

“If I score a goal, I score a goal. If someone else scores the goal and we win I’m delighted. Every game now is just about helping my teammates out and savouring things more.

“There are memories now that will always stay with me. It’s about enjoying my last couple of years of football and then seeing where I go from there.”

Brown won’t change. He said it himself this week. Why should he? It’s got him this far.

As one of the most recognised people in the country, and with a personality which demands attention, means anonymity is impossible. And not everyone is friendly.

“Why do you think I stay in Edinburgh,” he asked. “I stay in Edinburgh for a reason. I come through to play football and see the lads and so on, but I stay in Edinburgh to try and stay away from all the football banter and stuff.

“Edinburgh is more Hibs and Hearts, and fans of those clubs have pretty much forgotten about me – so I’m quite happy with that. I can go out, enjoy my meal and have a quiet night.”

Brown’s daft laddie routine can be a bit wearing because he’s anything but. Only he will know if it’s a deliberate act. However, when he talks, this is a man worth listening to.

There are some who walk amongst us who blame football for all of Scotland’s problems, as if an incident during a football match is responsible for someone breaking the law away from the match.

“Football has to remain in the stadium, it can’t be taken outside,” Brown said. “The violence after games has to stop as well.

“It’s suggested how players behave impact on what happens in the street. So you should run out and punch somebody outside the stadium? That’s just people taking liberties.

“There is no excuse for fans running on the park trying to punch someone – and that happened to me as well by the way – or people taking liberties after players win games and enjoy themselves. At the end of the day it’s a game of football.” Quite.

Brown could win a ninth league medal today – his first came in 2008 – when a certain Neil Lennon was brought back to Celtic as coach by Gordon Strachan just when it seemed Rangers were too far ahead in the title race that season.

It was Lennon who made Brown captain, back in 2011, and captain and former captain retain a close and trusting relationship. It’s why the player backs his long-time comrade who still doesn’t know whether he will be given the manager’s job past May.

A point at Aberdeen this afternoon will seal the Ladbrokes Championship, a title which should have been wrapped up by now.

“It’s been a tough run and it’s been tough for the gaffer coming in as well after Brendan,” said Brown. “He has dive-bombed into the deep end with two feet and he enjoys it as well.

“He enjoys being back with the lads and back at Celtic Park I think. Everyone loves him in the Lennoxtown dressing room and at Celtic Park. He has been a great man for the job so far.’

“He just wants us to get over the line whether we win at Aberdeen or wherever. We just want to get over the line as quick as possible and do it for him as well.”

If Celtic do match the record of nine titles in a row, and even make it ten, Brown will go down as the most important player of this era.

He’s not for everyone but every fan would have him in their team. Not that he cares a jot.