Stu my biggest success
Jackie McNamara sold three Dundee United stars to Celtic – but feels only one so far has made the grade.
Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven and Nadir Ciftci moved from Tayside to Glasgow in 2015.
The then Terrors boss McNamara was convinced they all had the physical attributes to be a success.
But two years on the ex Hoops full-back believes only Scotland midfielder has coped with the mental demands at the club.
Armstrong will be the only one of the three who starts for Brendan Rodgers next week in the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
McNamara said: “Stuart is a different player in terms of his confidence and goals return.
“Brendan and his team must take a lot of credit for that. That’s the measure of a manager, how he makes players better.
“I knew Stuart had the ability to make it there. He had the potential, he had everything in his locker, and he’s showing it now.
“I also believed Ciftci had it but he’s not handled it so well. Mackay-Steven has been unlucky with injuries.
“But it’s how you handle the demands of having to win every week at Celtic. You’re expected to win.”
McNamara, who won three Scottish Cups at Celtic, believes there is still time for Mackay-Steven to prove his potential.
He said: “Stuart and Gary are close, they get on well. But there’s a lot of differences off the park.
“Gary’s a fantastic talent. Given the chance, Brendan can get the best out of him as well, helping him with that belief in himself.”
McNama r a was speaking at an event organised by William Hill, proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.