Scott Brown expects big season from Stuart Armstrong if he stays with Celtic

Follow us on Google Discover

Brendan Rodgers gave Stuart Armstrong a rotational role at Celtic towards the back end of last season.

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown has suggested to the Scottish Sun that Stuart Armstrong shouldn’t leave Parkhead this summer, with West Bromwich Albion said to be interested in him.

According to the Daily Record, West Brom are keen to snap up Armstrong, as they feel he could improve their squad in the Championship.

But Brown believes that leaving Celtic would be a risk for the attacking midfielder, as he has seen former teammates join an English side only to not feature regularly.

Indeed, the central midfielder claims that if Armstrong sticks with Celtic then he will break back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

“It’s good for top quality players to be winning games and trophies and not being the forgotten man in England,” Brown said.

“Stuart is a great man and a good character and if he sees it’s time to go then that’s for him. But I’m sure he’ll have a good pre-season and he’ll start playing games.

“Some players go on to bigger things. Virgil van Dijk did well at Southampton then went to Liverpool for a record transfer fee.

“But then there are players who stay here because they love winning trophies.”

Armstrong’s form tailed off towards the back end of last season, when he was regularly left on the substitutes’ bench.

Armstrong started just six of Celtic’s last 19 league matches, although injury was part of the reason behind his lack of game-time.

The 26-year-old still remains an important player for Rodgers’ side, but he is entering the final year of his contract, which leaves his future up in the air.

When Armstrong was last linked with a move away from Celtic, the Bhoys wanted £10 million for the Scottish international (Daily Mail).