‘A PERFECT START’ – STUART ARMSTRONG

STUART ARMSTRONG is a happy Bhoy as he looks back in his scoring debut against Partick Thistle and forward to the challenges that lie ahead starting with St Johnstone tomorrow and then the big one as Inter Milan come calling. On that wonderful night at Firhill he said:

‘I don’t think it could have gone any better, especially being involved with a good win and a good performance so to get a goal just capped it off.

‘Gary got us off to the perfect start and I was just delighted, plus it was a bit surreal to see him put it in the back of the net so early on.

‘So to join him on the score-sheet was great as well, as was helping the boys get three points.

Celtic’s decision to sign two players from the same club seem to have paid immediate dividends as both seem to have settled into the Parkhead dressing room with ease. Stuart certainly sees the value in having Gary Mackay-Steven in there with him:

‘It’s nice to know a familiar face in the dressing room so you’re not completely alone, but all of the boys have been very welcoming and very friendly and everyone here has been very nice to us and made us feel at home.

The talented midfielder has certainly been impressed by the quality within the Celtic squad and realises that both new recruits will have to be at their best to hold down a regular starting spot as Ronny Delia’s increasingly impressive side heads towards the trophy collecting part of the season:

‘Competition is great for any team and it makes every player want to do their best on the pitch when they get the chance, so I’m looking forward to being part of a really exciting squad.

‘Everyone can claim a space as it’s a very versatile squad full of versatile players so no one in particular is competing against each other, it’s a team game and it’s a big squad for a reason.

Armstrong is particularly excited about the chance to sample the unique European experience that seems to surround Celtic and many within the support believe his presence in the Celtic side could be a crucial factor in the Scottish Champions progressing. Stuart had this to say about the forthcoming European ties:

‘I can’t wait, playing in European competitions is something everyone dreams of. So to have the chance of being a part of that next week is fantastic and to go over to stadiums like the San Siro is what everyone wants to do.

‘It will be a bit different to what I’m used to but it’s all a learning curve and to have that experience will be worth a lot in the future.’