Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has fired a rallying cry to the current squad, insisting the Scottish Premiership title race is still very much in their own hands. With just three games left on the calendar, the defending champions trail league leaders Hearts by three points and are five behind on goal difference—but Brown believes the final-day showdown at Celtic Park could be the perfect stage for a dramatic turnaround.

"It's going to be very tight," the 40-year-old told Sky Sports. "Hearts have been the team that everyone thought would eventually fade away, to be honest. But Derek McInnes has done a fantastic job of keeping them at that level. They beat Rangers on Monday, and in the first half, I thought it could have been two or three to Rangers, but he changed everything. Nobody thought they could keep this up."

Despite Hearts' impressive run, Brown remains confident in his former side. "I still think it's in the Celtic lads' hands," he said. "If they can go and beat Rangers at the weekend, then take care of Motherwell away, the last game is Hearts at home. I'll be there for that one. Either I'll see Derek lifting the trophy—and I'll congratulate him on it—or it'll be a fantastic day for Celtic and the fans. It'd be incredible scenes if they can go and win another trophy."

The race has been anything but straightforward for Celtic this season. After Brendan Rodgers departed in October and Wilfried Nancy followed in January, veteran manager Martin O'Neill has stepped in for his second spell at the helm. Brown, who spent 14 years at Celtic Park, has nothing but praise for the 74-year-old's impact. "If he goes and wins the title, there should be a statue built outside the stadium for him," Brown said. "He's done some fantastic things. Martin has the players pressing high, getting after teams—playing as well as they possibly can. If he'd been there the whole season, he probably would have cruised through it. But he comes in, helps out, and he's a Celtic man. He wants the best for the club."

With everything on the line, the final three games promise to be a gripping finish to the Scottish Premiership season. For Celtic fans, the dream of another trophy is very much alive—and the stage is set for a memorable finale.