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He’s growing in confidence every game: BBC pundit Steven Thompson raves about 25-year-old Celtic star

Steven Thompson of St Mirren shows his emotion after his side won the Scottish Communities League Cup Final between St Mirren and Hearts at Hampden...
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Scotland beat Malta 2-0 on Monday night to boost their World Cup qualification hopes.

Leigh Griffiths of Scotland  celebrates after he scores the second goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and Malta at Hampden Park on September 4, 2017 in Glasgow,...Leigh Griffiths of Scotland

Pundit Steven Thompson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Celtic playmaker Stuart Armstrong is growing with confidence in each game after his performance for Scotland against Malta.

Having beaten Lithuania 3-0 on Friday night, Scotland had to make it two wins from two games as they hosted whipping boys Malta at Hampden Park on Monday night.

Gordon Strachan’s men coasted to a 2-0 win on Monday, as Christophe Berra scored early on, and Leigh Griffiths added after the break to give Scotland a comfortable win.

Stuart Armstrong of Scotland walks on the pitch prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and Malta at Hampden Park on September 4, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland.Stuart Armstrong of Scotland

That puts Scotland right in contention for second place in Group F, just one point behind second-placed Slovakia with two qualification games to go.

Strachan’s side against Malta contained a whole host of Celtic players, with Kieran Tierney, Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest and goalscorer Griffiths all featuring.

However, it was midfielder Armstrong who earned particular praise after the final whistle against Malta, as he continues to impress for club and country.

Steven Thompson of St Mirren shows his emotion after his side won the Scottish Communities League Cup Final between St Mirren and Hearts at Hampden Park on March 17, 2013 in Glasgow,...Steven Thompson

The 25-year-old was a bit-part player under Ronny Deila at Celtic, but he has thrived under Brendan Rodgers, smashing 17 goals in all competitions last term.

Now, pundit Steven Thompson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Armstrong is growing in confidence by the game, and his importance to Scotland was shown in an impressive performance against Malta.

“Continued on from his impressive display in Lithuania and is growing in confidence with every game,” said Thompson, who also praised Celtic duo Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths.