Home may be best move for Celt Stuart
AFTER a stellar season at Celtic, English clubs are clamouring for Stuart Armstrong’s signature.
But if he sticks around for another campaign, former mentor Stevie Campbell reckons the midfielder will be one of Europe’s most wanted.
Armstrong worked with Dundee United’s former youth supremo before his promotion to the Tangerines’ first team, aged just 18.
Campbell said: “Stuart has the technique and the ability to go abroad,” said Campbell. “But he also has the brains to cope with a move to Germany, Spain or Italy.
“In actual fact, I’d probably rather see him do that. But, equally, I’d love to see him one day in the Premier League.
“Because of where it all started, it’s brilliant to have watched him progress to where he is now.
“It’s even more exciting to think about where he could be this time next year.”
But Campbell reckons his old student is shrewd enough to realise staying at Celtic Park – and testing himself in the Champions League – is likely to boost his chances of a big move in future.
“I would think that would be ideal,” he said.
“He has had a brilliant eight months but he’s a very level-headed young man.
“He absolutely loves it at Celtic, playing under Brendan Rodgers and also working with Chris Davies.”
As for whether Armstrong can keep improving, Campbell has no doubts.
“He’s got limitless potential,” said Campbell.
“Even at the start of last season, when Brendan Rodgers told him there were four or five players ahead of him, his response was: ‘Right, bring it on’.
“He wanted to compete for the No. 10 position but ended up playing deeper – and that’s because he has added to the defensive side of his game.
“Everything seems to have fallen into place for Stuart just now.”