Countless Celtic players have been targeted by Premier League clubs, but maybe they should take note of Stuart Armstrong’s lack of Southampton chances.
Stuart Armstrong may claim that he’s not pining for Celtic but it’s fair to say that a move to the Premier League hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
After winning four Scottish Premiership titles with The Hoops, the former Dundee United midfielder sealed a £7 million (BBC) move to Southampton with just a year left on his Celtic contract.
And, though Armstrong is adamant that the move to St Mary’s was right for his career, he has admitted to the BBC that he’s struggling with a bit-part role, having started just two games so far for Mark Hughes’ side.
“It’s always hard when you’re not playing games – not starting games especially – because nobody likes sitting on the bench,” Armstrong said.
Now, Celtic had little choice but to sell the 26-year-old in hindsight. Had they kept the the Scot beyond the summer, they were running the risk of losing him on a free and it seemed that the time was right to sell, given that Armstrong’s form had dipped massively in his final season at Parkhead.
And his slow start at Southampton could end up being a real blessing in disguise for Celtic.
In the past, many of The Hoops’ star players have jumped at the chance to prove themselves below the border but Armstrong’s lack of opportunities will hardly tempt the likes of Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney, both of whom have been linked with English clubs, to follow in his footsteps.
Why would McGregor join Brighton (Sun, 30th September, page 60) or Tierney join Everton (Mirror) if they are to spend their time stuck on the bench or mired in a relegation battle?
Celtic selling Armstrong could be worth far more to them than the £7 million transfer fee.
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