Armstrong was the man to wear the armband during Celtic’s win over Dundee on Saturday, and his teammate is backing him to take the role on more regularly.
Gary Mackay-Steven has suggested that Stuart Armstrong has the credentials to become a regular captain for Celtic after taking on the role at the weekend, the Evening Times reports.
In Scott Brown’s absence for the Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers turned to Armstrong to take the armband.
Celtic’s Stuart Armstrong in action
And after overseeing a victory at Parkhead, as the Hoops claimed a 2-1 win, Armstrong has been backed to perform the role permanently in the future by the man who started alongside him in midfield at the weekend.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him it’s a massive honour for him to captain the side in Broony’s absence,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times. “He’s done superbly lately. He relished it and I felt he led the team really well.
Celtic’s Gary MacKay Steven, Scott Brown and James Forrest during training
“He captained the Dundee United side for a bit. He is a leader, definitely. He’s quite vocal and he’s definitely a future captain. Obviously Broony has been immense this season and it’s unbelievable to play under him but when he wasn’t available Stu stepped up and in the future he’s definitely captain material,” he later added.
While the Bhoys’ brilliant start to the season may have led some to believe that there was little pressure on Armstrong to oversee a win – as the title already appears to be wrapped up – the fact that their current league record is so good this term means that it could definitely be argued that he was under a tremendous amount of pressure.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Celtic had won 14 and drawn one of their opening 15 games in the top flight before the Dundee clash, so Armstrong would not have wanted to be the man to be in charge when their first defeat was inflicted upon them.
However, the three points arguably highlights how far the 24-year-old has come in this season alone. And he will be hoping that his progression continues as, by the time a new captain has to be found, Rodgers will perhaps have no choice but to give Armstrong the armband permanently.
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