HAMMER BLOW
Armstrong is content to disappoint celebrity fan Corden by extending his happiness at Parkhead
WHEN James Corden informed his 8.77million Twitter followers that he hoped his beloved West Ham United would sign Stuart Armstrong, it provided a celebrity endorsement of an outstanding season.
The Gavin & Stacey star, now a successful chat show host in the US, offered his opinion after a Celtic fan marked Armstrong’s 25th birthday by producing a compilation of every goal he had scored for the club.
‘Hands off’ was the inevitable response from Twitter users of a Parkhead persuasion.
‘Someone sent me it, yeah,’ said Armstrong, when asked if he was aware of Corden’s compliment.
‘It’s just something you have to laugh at, a bit of humour. It’s always nice to see these things. There was a little bit of humour from the boys about it.’
If nothing else, the social media sideshow proved just how far Armstrong has risen in the wider consciousness. His emergence as a key player is one of the stories of Celtic’s campaign.
It has also turned the spotlight on his future. Out of contract at the end of next season, Armstrong’s agent is in talks with the Parkhead hierarchy over an improved and extended deal.
The midfielder yesterday remained typically circumspect about details of those discussions, but did not offer Corden any encouragement that he would be seen in London any time soon.
His happiness at Celtic remains the overriding message. Indeed, Armstrong believes the vast improvements witnessed under Brendan Rodgers’ management are only the start of an upward journey.
‘We are looking at it,’ he said of his contract. ‘I’m really happy here and playing some of the best football of my life. I’m in a really good place. I’m sure it will take care of itself.
‘It’s been a terrific season. When you glance back at the different stages of it — the League Cup, winning the league — and there is still a big semi-final coming up. It’s been a terrific season and there is still a lot to look forward to.
‘What the manager is building here is a real, good quality team. You have seen the step up we have made already in only his first season.
‘I think that can only get better. We’ll be pushing to get Champions League again but this time we’ll be looking to go further. I think things are only going up.
‘One of the attractions of coming to Celtic was the European experiences. Playing in the Champions League this season was a dream come true, playing against the giants of Europe.
‘The prospect of playing in that again is amazing. It’s something every player looks forward to because it is very special.’
His contentment is genuine, but Armstrong is also more than smart enough to know the financial realities of modern football.
Moving to the English Premier League could earn him more money than his current employer can afford to put on the table. Is that not a temptation?
‘I tend not to dwell on things like that,’ he said. ‘I tend to focus on being here and being a Celtic player. As I said before, I am really happy and in a fantastic place. ‘I love playing week in, week out in my favourite position for a club like Celtic — and playing under Brendan Rodgers as well. I couldn’t be happier. ‘In the past, I would have maybe dwelled on things and thought too much about different aspects of the game. Now it’s about taking each one at a time and living in the moment. The future takes care of itself.’ Being named Ladbrokes Premiership Player of the Month for March was the latest accolade for Armstrong in a season not short on praise. Performances, goals and international recognition have all hiked appreciation of his talent.
He has spoken before of how a frank discussion with Rodgers early in the season was key.
Armstrong made the case for playing in central midfield after being shunted to the left wing under Ronny Deila. Rodgers made it clear what he needed to see if that was to happen.
Mutual benefits were obviously forthcoming but Armstrong’s elevation wasn’t instant. He reflects on contributions to the first two Old Firm wins of the season as being pivotal moments in terms of proving his worth.
‘I think my first goal of the season in the 5-1 game at home was a big thing for me,’ added Armstrong.
‘I came on and scored in that central position and I like to think I made a difference in that game.
‘Another big performance was in the (League Cup) semi-final against Rangers when we won 1-0 and I felt I contributed well. From then, it just built and built.
‘I was looking to take an opportunity in any game, if I got one. Another one was the Ross County game when there were a lot of changes made and I was given the opportunity to play in the middle. That was the first time I had started there. It was in the midweek after the semi-final.
‘I felt I took that opportunity and that was at the start of coming into the team on a regular basis. I’ve managed to be there or thereabouts ever since.
‘I think you can see the difference the manager has made on the pitch, the difference he’s made not just with me but with other players and the whole team. ‘For me personally he’s been great and he has developed my game in a number of aspects. He’s been very clear what he wanted from me and I’ve tried to deliver that for the team. He’s had a fantastic impact on me as an individual.’