Brown for Italy 'speculation' at this stage

Neil Lennon dismissed reports that Scott Brown was being targeted by Juventus and Inter Milan as "speculation" but insists his captain is good enough to play in Italy. He said: "I think he is a very good player. I think it is just speculation at the minute but it wouldn't surprise me. I think he could play there, yes. A lot of people don't, but I do. He's been a very consistent performer for me and I probably wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for the likes of Scott Brown."

Lennon revealed he would be speaking to Georgios Samaras's agent about offering the greek striker a new contract next month. However, he refuted reports which claimed that youngster James Forrest, who will miss the trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday with a sprained ankle, will be offered a new contract. Lennon said: "No. He signed a contract recently, last year or the year before and he has two or three years left on his contract but if he keeps progressing the way he is doing we will have a look at it."