STUART ARMSTRONG underwent surgery in Germany yesterday to sort out a troublesome groin injury that has held back the midfielder this season.
With the injury showing no improvement in the warm weather climate in Dubai the Celtic medical team tok the decision to out the player under the knife and as a result the Scotland internationalist will be out for a month or so. The hernia operation will mean that he is certain to miss the Scottish Cup early rounds and the SPFL matches against Partick Thistle and the two Edinburgh sides.
Armstrong signed a contract extension for one additional year last summer which means that the 25 year old will be going into the final year of his deal next season.
He has long held ambitions to play in England and there was some speculation that Southampton were ready to move for him in this window. Although that was limited to one story in the Sunday Post, and was probably just speculation, it is certainly dead in the water now as the popular midfielder begins his recovery.
Celtic are still without Paddy Roberts and Tom Rogic and with the lose of Armstrong on top the creative side if the squad will be stretched to the limits in the coming games.
There were a few calls on social media last night to re-call Ryan Christie from his loan spell at Aberdeen but that isn’t Brendan Rodgers’ style.
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW! FEATURING TOMMY SHERIDAN…
A Celtic State of Mind presents its 30th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.
Kevin Graham is joined by Scotty Alcroft to interview Scottish pro-independence politician, Tommy Sheridan, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.
The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.
The other voice you may hear throughout this episode is that of former Celtic striker, Frank McGarvey, who is a friend of Tommy’s, and who was also interviewed separately that day for a future show.
You are sure to enjoy Tommy’s eclectic input, as he discusses everything from Catalan independence to Coolio, with a constant undercurrent of that thing called Celtic.
Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes, @anorthernprose and @CQNMagazine and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or through your podcast player.
