Brendan Rodgers has compared Scott Brown's Celtic exit to Steven Gerrard's departure from Liverpool.

Rodgers oversaw Gerrard's final games at Anfield in 2015 before his move to LA Galaxy. The midfielder had made more than 700 appearances for the Reds and won eight major trophies on Merseyside.

It was announced last week that Brown would join Aberdeen in the summer after 14 years at Parkhead, having clocked up 612 appearances for the Hoops as he leaves with (at least) 23 winners' medals to his name.

"He has been a pivotal figure in delivering such a sustained period of dominance for the club," Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said in reaction to the news about the 35-year-old.

Rodgers says Brown is one of the last of his type

Rodgers acknowledges the void Brown will leave, but reckons his successor may grow in stature as captain.

Jordan Henderson, who followed Gerrard, has led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League crowns.

"It was always going to be difficult to replace Scott as Celtic captain," Rodgers told the Sunday Mail. "It's just hard to replace Scott, like for like. Because he's one of the last of those types of that generation.

"But someone else can come in and do it. I remember when Steven left Liverpool, it was always going to be a tough task replacing him.

"But the year before, I'd appointed Jordan and he's gone on to be a great club captain for Liverpool."

Callum McGregor 'knows what it takes'

Callum McGregor, currently the vice-captain at Celtic, is poised to don the armband going forward, and Rodgers has tipped him to take to the role.

"I think Callum is the natural successor to Scott," the 48-year-old said. "He has different qualities and strengths.

"But he loves the club and knows what it takes to play for and be successful for Celtic. He's the guy to naturally take over."

Transfer Tavern verdict

What's interesting is that Celtic fans don't seem entirely convinced by McGregor. 67 Hail Hail's Euan Davidson says that Christopher Jullien ought to be considered, while a number of supporters have called for Kristoffer Ajer to succeed Brown.

It therefore remains up in the air as to whether the Hoops will take Rodgers' advice on the identity of Brown's successor for the armband.

In other news, another long-serving Celtic man has been linked with Aberdeen.