Nobody really expected Scott Brown to take the pitch at Ibrox on Saturday when Celtic make the short trip across the city to face Rangers. The Hoops captain had received a red card two weeks ago away to Ross County when his tackle on Liam Boyce drew the ire of referee Don Robertson.

He subsequently appealed that with the SFA and that was heard on Thursday. The red was overturned and it means he is now free to take part in the giant clash at the home of the Gers.

It's a significant blow to Pedro Caixinha and his team, who were already facing a daunting task in trying to overcome Celtic for the first time this season.

Scott Brown has been one of the most consistent performers for the Hoops all season and for us, his inclusion in Saturday's derby almost guarantees at Celtic win.

These are the three reasons why...

50 not out

With 50 starts for Celtic this season, no other player in the squad has started more games than the captain himself. There have been many standouts in Brendan Rodgers' team; Mousaa Dembele, Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong are just a few. However, no-one has been more influential in their incredible unbeaten domestic run than Scott Brown.

He's the beating heart of the Celtic side, he provides the will to win, the determination and the desire to eke out results by all means necessary.

Starting at Ibrox means there will be no lack of that in the Hoops side and that Rangers will likely be found wanting in trying to match the same desire and passion to win.

Had he been missing, there's no-one quite ready at the Bhoys to step up and provide that on a massive occasion such as a fixture at Ibrox.

He bossed it last Sunday

Scott Brown was the man of the match on Sunday, there's no doubt about it. He bossed the midfield from start to finish, making the likes of Andy Halliday, Emerson Hyndman and Jason Holt appear inconsequential in comparison.

His passing technique was at its peak, he was physical, he was confident, he looked unbeatable.

Brown is arguably having the best season of his entire career and at the age of 31 appears to be improving week after week. You could even make a case for Sunday's performance against the Gers being his greatest of the season so far.

His arrival at Ibrox in that kind of form makes Celtic an unstoppable force. That's even more true when you consider he is suspended for the two subsequent league fixtures.

He has no resting to do, he'll be going all out for victory and we don't think Rangers can contain him, even at home.

He is the leader, the captain and Rangers hate him

One of Scott Brown's biggest strengths as a player is his ability to wind up opposition players, managers and fans. He's one of those professionals that you absolutely love if he plays for you and eternally hate if he doesn't. He's combative, he's full of chat, he's always in your face. They hate it.

With that though come a maturity as club captain and leader. He knows when to deploy it, he knows when to utilise a few dark arts to get a victory.

That makes his presence in these derbies even more important. In what will be an already fraught affair, Brown has the ability and personality to tip Rangers over from having an edge to losing it completely.

He is the ultimate derby player, the ultimate derby captain and if he performs well on Saturday, Celtic will win.