Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald believes that Scott Brown could be enticed to Australia by the prospect of a mental break from the incessant pressure of life at Celtic.

The change of pace and change of lifestyle that Western Melbourne are offering is something that McDonald, who was raised in Melbourne, believes is the pull that could persuade the Celtic captain to opt for fresh pastures this summer.

The 33-year-old midfielder is currently mulling over an offer from the A-League newcomers, although it’s believed the deal is worth less than what was anticipated after Western Melbourne did not get the funding for it they had anticipated.

An extension to his current deal remains on the table at Celtic, with the Parkhead side maintaining that Brown will be given ample time and space to come to a decision about his final career move.

"At times, the demand that is put on you as a Celtic or Rangers player is tough,” said the former Australian internationalist.

"You can't even go and enjoy time with the family and walk out on the street. It can be difficult and Scott has had to put up with that for ten or 11 years.

"Going to Australia gives the chance to lead more of a normal, family life and that may appeal.

"I don't know. I haven't spoken to Scott about it at any level.

"I have left him to his own devices, but I can see it might be a mental thing, more than physical.

"He might want to escape the madness of the west of Scotland.

“We are getting closer and closer to the end of this season without anything being sorted out.

“It is probably a concern for everyone in terms of how long it has lingered on and I think everyone just wants a resolution on it. It won’t help Scott at the minute to have it undecided. One way or another he will have to make a decision and I think personally it is something he will be considering seriously and I think he needs to make a decision so he can concentrate on the job in hand.

“Western Melbourne are keen to get his services. Even before they had their place in the league they wanted to speak to him. He would be a fantastic addition to the game in Australia.”

The one pull of Celtic, however, is the prospect of being the man to captain the club to ten in a row.

And that is a feature that McDonald believes cannot be overlooked as Brown weighs up his future.

"If the winning continues and you've won eight in a row, captaining all of them, why leave?,” said McDonald.

"You then have a chance to win nine and ten, but only Scott can answer those questions.

“In Australia, they always want the glamorous signings. The ones with attacking prowess who score goals.

"But fundamentally, Scott can give you core values if you are building a new team.

"We see his qualities week in, week out.

"He is a natural leader and you want someone like that at the heart of your club.

"Western Melbourne want his services and I do think it's a viable option for Scott. I have thought he is a homebird and it is a big call to go halfway across the world, especially given the career he has had at Celtic.

"There is the physical and mental element of it as well. It is an amazing lifestyle. I was brought up there myself.

"Melbourne has great beach life, city life, and is very appealing. You can see why he would possibly want to go."

Brown was Celtic’s outstanding player last season but has not exerted the same influence this term. Indeed, there have been suggestions that Celtic’s temp and fluency has been better when he hasn’t featured but for McDonald, who played alongside Brown with the Parkhead club, it is all about finding that match sharpness.

"He certainly has a lot more to give at Celtic but he needs games to get up to speed,” he said.

"The injuries this year have set him back a bit and we haven't seen the best of him because of it.

"The best Scott Brown needs games week in, week out to get to the level.