‘Stay positive’ - Scott Brown sends message to former Celtic defender after being forced to retire at 29

Celtic hero Scott Brown has sent a heart-warming message to former team mate Darnell Fisher after being forced to retire from football at the age of 29.

The ex-Hoops defender - a product of the Hoops youth system - made over 20 appearances for the Parkhead club under the management of Neil Lennon and Ronny Deila. He also had a loan spell at St Johnstone during his time in Scotland before opting to move south of the border.

The full-back - who spent a season at Rotheram United in the English Championship before joining Preston North End and laterly Middlesbrough - was recently released upon the expiry of his contract at the Riverside.

And Fisher has decided now to bow out of the game after being hampered by a persistent knee injury that he has been unable to make a full recovery from.

Issuing a statement on his social media accounts, he wrote: “The time has come to hang my boots up due to my knee injury, I’ve tried everything to get back to full fitness but just not meant to be. Thank you to all my team mates, clubs and the fans who have supported me over the years.”

Legendary Celtic captain Brown - who is currently out of work after being sacked as Fleetwood Town boss earlier this season - sent his well wishes to Fisher on Instagram, writing: “All the best in the future my man. Stay positive.”

A host of other former Celts left comments of support including Joe Ledley, Mikael Lustig and Scott Sinclair, while Scotland intenational John McGinn also liked his post.