Rangers striker Nacho Novo believes Scott Brown made the wrong decision when he snubbed a move to Ibrox to sign for Celtic instead.
The Hibernian midfielder this week pledged his future to the Scottish champions after Rangers failed to match the £4.4million deal, which will net Brown £25,000 a week.
Novo, 28, found himself in a similar position four years ago when he was courted by both halves of the Old Firm after scoring a huge number of goals at Dundee.
He opted for Rangers but as far as Brown is concerned the striker insists there is no point dwelling on what might have been.
"We have no interest in players who have no interest in coming to play for this club," he said.
"If he wants to go and play for another club, it is his loss, not our loss.
"Everybody knows Scott Brown is a great player but it is one thing to play for Hibs and another thing to play for Celtic.
"£4.4million is a lot of money and he will need to prove himself. He is a good player but every player needs to prove himself. I think he will do so because he is a talented player and a strong, young lad.
"I know Celtic is a big club as well but we want players who are committed to coming here and decide to come here."
Novo stands by his decision to plump for Rangers even though the last two seasons have been barren of silverware and he is confident the trophy drought will come to an end next term under the guidance of manager Walter Smith.
He said: "We definitely can't go another year without a trophy. Everybody is aware of that and next year will be a real Rangers team.
"This year there was no consistency, but football-wise I think we played better than Celtic in terms of football. But Celtic got the results and that's what counts.
"But next year, I guarantee it is us who will be there. No disrespect to other clubs but I think next year will be a new era for Rangers."
Novo is no clearer about his own future at Rangers as he prepares to head into the final year of his contract but he insists he is happy to bide his time for now and show he is worthy of a new deal.
"I have one more year," he said.
"So far there have been no discussions but at the moment I am a Rangers player and I am happy with that."
Novo, 28, found himself in a similar position four years ago when he was courted by both halves of the Old Firm after scoring a huge number of goals at Dundee.
He opted for Rangers but as far as Brown is concerned the striker insists there is no point dwelling on what might have been.
"We have no interest in players who have no interest in coming to play for this club," he said.
"If he wants to go and play for another club, it is his loss, not our loss.
"Everybody knows Scott Brown is a great player but it is one thing to play for Hibs and another thing to play for Celtic.
"£4.4million is a lot of money and he will need to prove himself. He is a good player but every player needs to prove himself. I think he will do so because he is a talented player and a strong, young lad.
"I know Celtic is a big club as well but we want players who are committed to coming here and decide to come here."
Novo stands by his decision to plump for Rangers even though the last two seasons have been barren of silverware and he is confident the trophy drought will come to an end next term under the guidance of manager Walter Smith.
He said: "We definitely can't go another year without a trophy. Everybody is aware of that and next year will be a real Rangers team.
"This year there was no consistency, but football-wise I think we played better than Celtic in terms of football. But Celtic got the results and that's what counts.
"But next year, I guarantee it is us who will be there. No disrespect to other clubs but I think next year will be a new era for Rangers."
Novo is no clearer about his own future at Rangers as he prepares to head into the final year of his contract but he insists he is happy to bide his time for now and show he is worthy of a new deal.
"I have one more year," he said.
"So far there have been no discussions but at the moment I am a Rangers player and I am happy with that."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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