Armstrong ready for club and country
His manager has branded Scotland’s end-of-season friendlies “not helpful for Celtic”.
But Stuart Armstrong insists he will be on the plane to South America if selected by Alex Mcleish.
Armstrong made his return to Hoops action following hernia surgery in last weekend’s victory over Rangers.
Just 24 hours later he was named in the Scotland squad for next week’s friendly double- header with Costa Rica and Hungary.
Armstrong hopes to continue his comeback when Celtic face Motherwell today.
And despite the reservations previously expressed by Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers, he is ready to head to Mexico and Peru with Scotland at the campaign’s end.
“Everyone wants to play for their country, so if you’re called up that’s what you want to do and that’s what you will do, he said. “You just have to see, firstly, if you are selected.”
Having previously expressed concerns about the timing of Scotland’s postseason trip, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers still expects a Bhoys’ presence of some sort in the group.
And after a 10- week spell on the sidelines, Armstrong is no longer in need of an extended break.
“Most of the boys have had that slog through December, January and February,” he said.
“I’ve not played a game, apart from my five- minute masterpiece at the weekend, since December 30.
“It was nice to have a rest physically and mentally, so I feel ready to go again.” He will need to be if selected today. Motherwell’s physical approach this season has been noted by fans, pundits, managers and opposition players alike.
Celtic experienced it themselves when they met the Steelmen three times in seven days at the end of November.
Armstrong reckons the increasingly combative nature of those fixtures was a symptom of how close they were to each other.
But he has respect for Motherwell as a side – and is relishing facing them again.
“I think the anger levels rose between each game when we played them three times in a row,” he said.
“There have been a few tasty affairs but they are a good side and have been doing really well of late. It always seems to be an exciting game when we play them.”