POSTER BHOY
Kennedy believes Armstrong has what it takes to become future Celtic captain
JOHN KENNEDY reckons intelligent, driven, dedicated and energetic Stuart Armstrong epitomises the new Celtic – which could make him an ideal future captain.
A year ago, the former Dundee United midfielder could barely get in the team – now he’s the poster boy for the Treble-winning champions.
Armstrong has become a mainstay in the Hoops team, a matchwinner and a leader on the pitch, which has made him a key pick for his country.
The 25-year-old started to blossom seven months ago when he took Nir Bitton’s regular place in the team. Since then, his performances and influence have mirrored the displays of his team.
Assistant coach Kennedy believes Armstrong exemplifies the change Brendan Rodgers has made in the Celtic players and that the transformation has been so impressive it could make him the man to take over from current skipper Scott Brown.
He said: “Stuart’s an important player for us. The manager has spoken to him, everyone has, he’s made a big impact this season on the pitch.
“Off the pitch, he is a terrific character and the type of personality you want to have at your club.
“The manager has given him all the praise and the accolades he’s had all season because has been terrific.
“Stuart epitomises the changes and differences in the players. Across the squad everyone is progressing and improving but Stuart is probably the one that everyone has taken real notice of and rightly so.
“He’s a great person and player to work with. He deserves to be where he’s at now because he’s worked relentlessly to get to that stage.
“He’s a terrific lad but the manager has given him real guidance, support and love, which players need.
“He’s allowed him to go and perform on a Saturday, which is the most important thing for players.”
When asked if he was a future skipper, Kennedy said: “Yes, potentially. The manager has given him the opportunity to do that at times this season.
“He’s that type – when he steps on the training pitch he a bit like Scott. A different type in terms of how he applies himself but he’s a super professional, very intelligent and the more time he spends here he gets a greater understanding of what this club is about.
“When you become captain of this club it’s important you understand the expectation of the fans, the history of the club and the actual feeling you get here. It’s very special.
“He is now getting to that point. You never know what will happen in the future with him.
“There are big incentives in moving to England but the most important thing outwit that is happiness. “All of our players are in a terrific place. They all really enjoy coming into work every day, playing in front of 60,000 fans who are the best in the world and winning cups. “It’s important we keep this group together and moving forward. The morale and
happiness within the group has been great all season.”
Kieran Tierney is another who displays the bravery and character of the squad.
Kennedy reckons the young left-back’s determination to return from hospital to collect his winner’s medal at Hampden last weekend despite having a broken jaw sums up their character.
He joked: “Kieran’s in Spain, so there can’t be much wrong with him! He picked up a jaw injury but he’s probably going to be good to go for the England game.
“As long as the medical team give him the go-ahead or ask him to put on a gum shield he’ll be good to play. He’d probably play with a muzzle on if you ask him.
“The type of character Kieran is he won’t miss anything, so if he gets the green light to go he’ll be there.
“The last I heard during the game was he’d been taking to hospital and then before I knew it he was climbing the stairs to pick up the trophy. He told the doctors whatever you’re doing, get it fixed and get me back to Hampden, so that was nice to see.”
It was typical of the togetherness shown by Celtic but Kennedy says there is no resting on laurels with the Champions League preparations already underway.
He said: “You savour the moment but you also have to think ahead to the next task. Brendan has a driven nature and that will never change.
“He’s a perfectionist and as much as the season was perfect in terms of winning things, I know he will want to make improvements to the team.
“We will quickly set out our targets for next season and it’s the only way to be.”
● Kennedy was speaking to launch a special 100-page issue of the Celtic View to celebrate the historic Invincibles treble triumph.