Brown: Has sympathy for Gers players

However, he added that the Ibrox club's past sins were catching up with them.

Celtic have so far refused to make a definitive statement of intent over the prospect of a vote on a newco Rangers applying for the current club's share.

However, chief executive Peter Lawwell stated their business plan was not dependent on Rangers days before their Glasgow rivals went into administration in February.

Brown admits playing in the derby matches is a highlight of his time at Parkhead.

"I signed for Celtic to play against Rangers and to play in Europe," Brown said.

"We've had some great games and we have had some bad games as well and we would definitely like there to be more - that's for sure.

"You would always miss them, especially going to Ibrox. When we won there, it was phenomenal.

"It's a great atmosphere, even with Rangers coming to Celtic Park. It's like a Champions League night.

"It's just one of those days that you thrive on.

"It will be hard without them but whatever they have done in the past, it's catching up with them now.

"Whatever happens will happen. It will come out before the start of the season what's happening.

"As it stands just now, there is still a Rangers."

The Scotland international does have sympathy for the Ibrox players.

"It's hard for anyone not knowing your future and not knowing what's going to happen," he said.

"They've got mortgages to pay, they've got bills, so I don't know what people have going through their minds right now."