Stuart Armstrong suggests he’s glad he decided to leave Celtic

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Celtic sold midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Southampton this past summer.

Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong has told BBC Sport that he needed a different challenge when leaving Celtic – and doesn’t miss Scottish football.

Armstrong was a top young talent with Dundee United, and his promising displays saw him earn a 2015 move to Celtic alongside teammate Gary Mackay-Steven.

After a decent start, the midfielder struggled in the 2015-16 season, scoring just four times in 39 games under Ronny Deila as many wondered whether he would make the grade with the Bhoys.

However, the appointment of Brendan Rodgers helped Armstrong hit his best form, as he fired Celtic to another Scottish Premiership table with 15 goals in 31 league games, becoming a star in Rodgers’ midfield.

Armstrong’s form dipped again last season, but it didn’t stop him from earning a £7million move to the Premier League with Southampton over the summer, penning a four-year deal with Mark Hughes’ side.

The Scotland international has yet to really make an impact in the top flight, starting just two games for the Saints, but he has suggested that he is glad to have left Celtic.

Armstrong has admitted that he doesn’t miss Scottish football, and whilst he has good memories of his time there, he needed a new challenge and is ultimately happy with his decision.

“I wouldn’t say I miss Scottish football,” said Armstrong. “I had my time here I was very grateful for it and had a lot of nice memories. It’s always hard when you’re not playing games, not starting games especially, because nobody likes sitting on the bench I’m not the most patient. I need to learn to adapt. I’m in a different league – I spent eight years in the Scottish League.”

“I would say it’s a different type of challenge. If I’d stayed at Celtic and continued to have success I’d view my career when it finished as a very good one and a very successful one. I think each individual is different, they’ll have their own desires and want to have their own experiences. I grew up watching a lot of Premier League – it’s something I dreamed about as a young player. That was my own interest and something I’m very happy to be experiencing right now,” he added.