BOSS OPTIMISTIC ON NEW ARMSTRONG DEAL

BRENDAN RODGERS remains confident Celtic will tie Stuart Armstrong down to a new long-term contract. Entering the final year of his current deal, the Scotland midfielder has yet to commit to an extension despite persistent claims from both sides agreement is close. Discussions were placed on hold before the Scottish Cup final and have still to reach a conclusion. Interest in the 25-year-old from the English Premier League raises the stakes, but Rodgers remains optimistic Celtic will retain the services of one of the shortlisted candidates for the PFA Scotland player of the year award. ‘I wanted to put it on the backburner towards the end of last season,’ said the Parkhead boss, who last night completed the capture of 19-year-old midfielder Kundai Benyu from Ipswich. ‘I didn’t want any distractions and there was a period of time when it wasn’t resolved. ‘We put the contract talks on hold. He’s had the Scotland game and a holiday, so I’m sure they will resume over the course of the season. ‘It’s just negotiation. Stuart’s at that point in his career. He had a brilliant season. ‘Contracts are always about length of time, or finances, but I am pretty confident the club and the agent will come to an agreement.’ Meanwhile, Benyu joins on a four-year deal and will fly out to Austria to join his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Described by Rodgers as a ‘project’, Benyu said: ‘It’s a massive honour to sign for the Scottish champions and one of the world’s truly great clubs. ‘It’s also a great opportunity for me to continue to develop as a footballer under Brendan Rodgers. ‘I’m looking forward to meeting up with my new Celtic team-mates.’