New deal won’t end interest in Armstrong
CRAIG GORDON insists Stuart Armstrong has the quality to remain on the radar of big-spending English clubs even after signing a new Celtic deal. Following Wednesday night’s 5-0 rout of Astana, manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the club hoped to
announce a contract extension for the Scotland midfielder before the end of this week. Southampton, Swansea and West Bromwich Albion were among the sides eyeing Armstrong’s situation but he is now set to end months of speculation about his immediate future. Goalkeeper Gordon is delighted with that outcome and feels the 25-year-old can deliver performances that will continue to draw admiring looks from potential suitors. ‘This is a great place to learn,’ said Gordon. ‘It took him a bit of time to settle in. Once he did, he was one of our best players last season. ‘Another few years here doing that — I would think he is already a big target for anyone, whether he signs a new contract or not. ‘But it is good for him to get settled and concentrate on football. If he keeps progressing as he is, then I am sure there will still be plenty of teams looking at him.’ Rodgers revealed this week that he felt Armstrong had suffered a loss of confidence during the impasse, pointing an accusing finger at the player’s representative for the delay. Gordon revealed he called upon his own experience to offer counsel to his teammate during the process. The 34-year-old had been a target for Chelsea before signing a new Celtic contract in March. ‘There were bids,’ reflected Gordon. ‘After that, it took a few months to clear the contract situation up. ‘We need him in the team ready to play. Hopefully that will settle things down and he can concentrate and get himself back in the team and show us what he is capable of.’