Celtic captain Scott Brown says he's feeling stronger and able to play 60 games per season after his international retirement and a longer summer break.

Midfielder Brown announced he would no longer be available for selection for Gordon Strachan in a bid to prolong his club career.

Brown, who was rested for summer friendlies against France and Italy, has enjoyed a blistering start to the season and scored in the Champions League play-off first leg against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

While the 31-year-old explained the anguish of informing Strachan of his decision, he feels in better condition to handle the challenges of relentless domestic and European football.

He said: "I feel my legs are getting back to what they used to be. As I said, it's been a couple of hard seasons with injuries, playing through injuries and people doubting your form.

"It's always in the back of your mind but I'm stronger and I've come back. I keep coming back every season and playing 60 games a season is enjoyable. The five weeks holiday is definitely making it more realistic for me to play longer."