SCOTT BROWN is reportedly considering a shock PLAYING return - despite the fact he hasn't taken part in a competitive match for 18 months.
The Celtic and Hibs hero was sacked as manager of Fleetwood Town in September after a poor run of form at the start of the current campaign.
Brown, 38, last played a game way back in March 2022 after leaving his role as player-coach at Aberdeen, in order to focus on becoming a manager full-time.
He officially hung up his boots on May 6 last year and was appointed boss of Fleetwood Town less than a week later.
His lone full season with the Cods saw them consolidate their position in League One with a 15th-placed finish and Brown also led them into the fourth (and fifth) rounds of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fight
Former Scotland skipper Brown was linked with the Cheltenham Town job a few weeks ago and more recently, put forward as a candidate who'd be interested in the vacancy at St Johnstone.
But in a surprise twist, he could pull his socks back up once again as a player - in the fourth tier of Scottish football.
He recently took part in Hibs' legend David Gray's testimonial, leaving fans begging for him to come out of retirement.
And they may just get their wish, with Brown having been training with Edinburgh-based League Two outfit The Spartans, according to the Scotsman.
Brown's son is part of the club's youth programme and while it's understood he has made it clear his priority for the future is management, he is said to be 'feeling out' whether a return to playing could work out.
He trained with the Ainslie Park side last night.
The former midfield maestro recently conducted the Scottish Cup draw and Brown said himself of his time at Fleetwood and future plans: "It was great to for myself and Steven [Whittaker] to go down to England and get a great understanding.
"We enjoyed it, we had some great times last season, not so many this season but we all bounce back.
"I'm getting itchy feet now. It's been good to have some family time and see the kids growing up. I've been away the past couple of years.
"But now it's getting back to the stage where I'm looking to get back into that routine."
Celtic legend Frank McGarvey passes away aged 66 with family by his side
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page