Everton youth prospect Lewis Warrington has praised Celtic hero Scott Brown, saying the Fleetwood Town boss has helped him "improve his whole game".

The former Hoops captain's side currently sit 13th in English League One and also reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Warrington, who is a central defender, has played 38 times for the Cods this season and he credits Brown with helping develop him as a player.

Speaking to Fleetwood's official website, he said: "I’ve enjoyed the games more. In League Two the ball is in the air more and it was going over my head a little bit too much.

"Here we try and get it down and play, and we do that against the big teams as well. I’ve loved it, it has probably been the perfect loan up to now.

"I’ve learned loads off the gaffer and his staff and have got loads better as a player in a positional sense… It’s been really successful.

"I’ve learned loads, how keeping it simple is sometimes best, playing quick and keeping it one-two touch then finding new spaces to get onto the ball, and also putting more tackles in and reading the game well and landing on second balls.

"My whole game has improved."

READ MORE: Total Ange-ball commitment: How Taylor has reached new Celtic level

Meanwhile, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has slammed top flight referees in Scotland, claiming they are taking the "coward's way out" when it comes to making decisions.

The ex-Scotland international feels the officials are over relient on VAR and that the technology is taking charge of the games rather than the officials themselves.

And he pinpointed the recent controversy at Ibrox where a penalty was not given after the ball appearedto strike Rangers defender Connor Goldson's hand during the New Year match between the Glasgow rivals.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I just feel referees are not reffing the game now.

"The Rangers v Celtic game, the Goldson handball, I will never forget the referee saying it is not his decision.

"It is a coward’s way out. If you are going to give the penalty just stand up and accept it, but they do not now they just blame it on VAR.

"50 penalties and not one against Rangers. "I am sure Celtic have got away with some decision but they have still conceded some."