Brendan Rodgers has gently warned his captain, Scott Brown, that the rigours of playing for both Celtic and Scotland could have an adverse impact on his performances for the reigning Scottish champions.

Brown, who is set to make his 400th appearance for Celtic against St Johnstone tomorrow night, has recently stated that the club versus country dilemma was one of the “toughest decisions” of his career.

The 31-year-old, who has earned 51 caps for Scotland, initially retired from the international scene last year but came back for the 3-0 defeat to old foes England in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley in November.

Brown has yet to decide whether or not to continue to represent his country, with qualifiers coming up against Slovenia in March and England again in June.

Read more: Scott Sinclair: My Celtic team mate and darts buddy Kieran Tierney can go right to the double top

Rodgers, the Celtic manager, knows how difficult a decision it will be for Brown having experienced a similar emotional conflict as manager of Liverpool when Steven Gerrard eventually stepped back from the England frontline in 2014.

Rodgers said: “We’ve talked. I think he’s pretty clear on where I see him at, and I’ve had experiences of these types of situations. I remember with Steven at the time as well. It has to be right for him. So Scott knows where he needs to be in order to play the game at the level he wants to be at.

"He’s in a different stage of his life now. He knows that. Of course, I can give him my aspect on it and my feelings on it. He will speak to Gordon [Strachan] I’m sure. He only wants what’s best for Scotland but he also has to have a look out for himself. He’s at that stage now where he has to look after himself. I’m sure he’ll make the decision in time. I think he’s clear in his own mind how he sees it evolving but my worry is for Celtic and I want to make sure he’s the best he can possibly be for Celtic.”

The primary concern for Brown, and Rodgers, is the date of the return fixture with England at Hampden. It is pencilled in for June 10, just a week or so before Celtic return for pre-season training ahead of likely Champions League qualifiers that same month. Should the Parkhead side reach the Scottish Cup final too, there would little opportunity for Brown and other Celtic players involved in the international set-up to re-charge the batteries before another assault on a series of fronts.

Read more: Scott Sinclair: My Celtic team mate and darts buddy Kieran Tierney can go right to the double top

Rodgers conceded that the timing of the England encounter was not ideal. "For players it’s not great," said Rodgers, who has ensured his players have made the most of the winter break afforded to them recently.

"It's not a good date at all. I remember being down in England and going on holiday and seeing that the Scottish teams were already back. It was incredible because you just felt like you were winding down and getting into your rest.

"In Scotland now it’s not the old school way of finishing the season and having no qualifiers so you have five or six weeks off. In Scottish football now, if you are playing cup finals at the end of May and then internationals you might only have that short period of time off. The challenges up here are to get your team prepared with the minimum rest."