Scott Brown says he has no regrets over his decision to retire from international duty, believing he's already reaping the benefits of the extra rest.

The former Scotland skipper called time on his international involvement ahead of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers in order to prolong his Celtic career at club level.

Kenny Dalglish, who was capped 102 times for Scotland, questioned the wisdom behind the move, insisting it was a huge mistake.

However, Brown, who will be presented with his 50th cap before Scotland's crunch clash with Lithuania, stands by his decision.

"Any regrets? No, I think it is helping me with my Celtic career and keeping me on track," he said.

"It's pushing me to new levels, given me more energy and that rest time which I have definitely been needing."

Brown looked back to his best for Celtic against Manchester City in their pulsating 3-3 draw at Celtic Park last week in the Champions League.

And the 31-year-old values the important of rest with another hectic month ahead for the Hoops.

Brendan Rodgers' side host Motherwell after the break before meeting Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League, Rangers in the Betfred Cup semi-final and Aberdeen and Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

Asked if the Manchester City game showed the benefit of the extra rest, he said: "Yeah, definitely. The gaffer has given me three or four days off now just to recharge my batteries.

"We've got another hard month going ahead and another international break so it is coming at good times for me just now."