Scott Brown says his Fleetwood Town side deserve credit after he put them through the wringer on their way to making history in the FA Cup.
The Celtic icon has guided the League One club into the fifth round of the competition for the first time after a 1-0 victory over third tier leaders Sheffield Wednesday, who headed into the tie unbeaten since October, having defeated Newcastle United in the last round. On-loan Luton winger Carlos Mendes Gomes scored the only goal of the night as a date with Championship side Burnley - managed by Vincent Kompany - in the last 16 was sealed.
Brown made a habit of winning silverware during his trophy laden Celtic captaincy but was furious with how his side succumbed to a 96th minute goal in their 3-2 loss versus Burton Albion on Saturday. He told BBC Radio Lancashire his side are loving their run, but were put through a gruelling few days in preparation for this battle: "We seem to like the cup!
"We were playing an exceptional team and at half time I turned around to see the land of the giants coming on. They brought the big guns on and for us, we were a small team today.
"But what we did do is look after the ball. I am delighted for these lads as I have gave them hell the last couple of days. I wasn't happy with the performance in the (Burton Albion) game, there was no composure, we didn't control anything so the last couple of days we have been working hard and watching a lot of videos, getting an understanding of the plan.
"On Saturday nobody listened, today was exceptional, balls in the box we defended with our lives, not the tallest team, but you have to have that aggression and desire. Second half was always going to be a bit deeper.
"I thought the lads were exceptional. I can't thank them enough for taking it in as it was always going to be a hard game, and they stood up to it."
