Stuart Armstrong did not start for Celtic on Wednesday night.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told The Mail that Stuart Armstrong’s omission from the first XI was not because he has failed to sign a new contract at Parkhead.
The talented midfielder was surprisingly named on the bench as Celtic thrashed Linfield 4-0 in Glasgow last night to ease into the next phase of Champions League qualifiers.
The 25-year-old was one of the Hoops’ best players last season but, with his contract set to expire next summer, Rodgers is keen to sign him up to a new long-term deal.
There has been no breakthrough as of yet, but the Northern Irishman is adamant that Armstrong’s absence from the first XI was not linked to his ongoing contract struggles.
He told The Mail: “There was no correlation. There’s been no progress as of yet on the contract. I love working with Stuart.
“If there was any correlation then Scott Brown wouldn’t play – he’s also in his last year.
“I’ve got to prepare players for the course of the season and I’m fortunate we have a strong squad.”
Armstrong came on eventually and ultimately put the gloss on an easy win by scoring a fourth goal late on.
Celtic are 180 minutes away from the group stages of the Champions League, though a tricky tie with Rosenborg awaits them next.
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