Neither Scott Brown nor Leigh Griffiths will be major losses to Celtic this summer.

That is the opinion of former Hoops boss John Barnes.

Both players look set to depart Parkhead this summer with captain Brown already confirmed as a soon-to-be Aberdeen player/assistant manager. Griffiths has been linked with joining his pal at Dons but Hibs are also believed to be on his trail. The striker has a year extension option on his contract but could be allowed to leave.

Barnes, though, believes the club can afford to lose both star men as, firstly, Brown is in the twilight of his career and, secondly, Griffiths has not been fit or firing this season.

Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes said: "Celtic losing Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths won’t be a big loss for the club. Leigh Griffiths hasn't been playing every weekend and Scott Brown is at the age now whereby he’s not necessarily on the pitch having that much influence on it moving forwards.

"Off the pitch, a new manager coming in may feel that he wants his own people in there to have the power off the field, in the dressing room. It is a good move for both, they know that Celtic is changing, and they may not be part of that. If they turn down this opportunity [to leave], to stay at Celtic and next year are not playing and are out in the cold, they’ve missed an opportunity."