Barry Ferguson reacts to Stuart Armstrong’s comments about leaving Celtic

Follow us on Google Discover

Ex-Celtic playmaker Stuart Armstrong left the club this summer.

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has told PLZ Soccer that he thinks Stuart Armstrong may have made a mistake in leaving Celtic for Southampton.

Midfielder Armstrong was one of Scotland’s great hopes during his time with Dundee United, and his promising displays saw him earn a big 2015 move to Celtic alongside teammate Gary Mackay-Steven.

After a decent start to life in Glasgow, the playmaker struggled to hit top form in the 2015-16 season, scoring only four times in 39 games under boss Ronny Deila as many wondered whether he would live up to his potential at Parkhead.

However, Armstrong hit his best form after Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as Bhoys manager, as he fired Celtic to another Scottish Premiership crown with 15 goals in 31 league games, becoming a star in Rodgers’ midfield.

Armstrong earned a £7million move to the Premier League with Southampton over the summer despite a tough season last term, and suggested earlier this week that he is glad to have moved on as he needed a new challenge away from Scottish football.

Armstrong hasn’t exactly made a great impression at Southampton yet, starting just twice in a struggling Saints side – and Barry Ferguson has reacted to his comments.

The former Scotland ace and Rangers skipper has suggested that Armstrong has made something of a mistake, as he is now fighting against relegation instead of playing in Europe for Celtic, and winning things with the Bhoys should have taken priority over playing in the Premier League.

“I think he was a real promising player at Dundee United then he went into Celtic and at times he look a proper footballer,” said Feguson. “It’s all about winning trophies for me. I know you want to play against the best but Celtic are a massive club. They’re vying to get into the Champions League. If you’re not in the Champions League you’re in the Europa League.”

“He’s at a team that each season are going to be struggling. I know he was successful, he had the double treble. For me it’s about when you finish playing. I look back on the trophies and medals that I won. I know the Premier League is the place everybody wants to go but ultimately you want to win things,” he added.