CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has branded Stuart Armstrong “The Blond Cafu” after his Man-of-the-Match performance in the 3-0 romp against Inverness Caley Thistle at Parkhead yesterday.
The midfielder moved into defence in the 13th minute when Swedish right-back Mikael Lustig was forced to limp off with an ankle injury following a heavy challenge.
Goals from Scott Sinclair, Leigh Griffiths and substitute Tom Rogic gave the champions the win over the Highlanders who finished the game with 10 men following Greg Tansey’s 63rd minute sending-off.
Asked about the contribution of midfielder Armstrong, he mentioned the famous former Brazilian World Cup-winning full-back Cafu, who also starred for Roma and AC Milan.
The Irishman said: “The Blond Cafu, He was up and down that wing, wasn’t he? The boy did brilliantly to adapt the position.
“He has played a central role for me and I see him developing and progressing his game day in and day out and he is now looking the part.
“He is a clever boy, he knows the role and obviously a couple of adaptations at half-time to allow us to open up the sides a wee bit more on the inside.
“His only disappointment is that he never scored, he had enough chances. But I thought he was brilliant.”
Rodgers was also asked to compare him with James Milner, whom Rodgers bossed at Liverpool.
He replied: “James is someone I brought him in to be a midfielder, but I knew he could play a couple of positions, he has played everywhere, all over the pitch.
“Just a total footballer and I though Stuart showed that, he has that ability. Firstly, he defended very well, but his ability to get forward with his energy was outstanding.”
Celtic’s 10th win in their first 11 league fixtures – they dropped their only two points against Inverness in a 2-2 draw in September – took them 10 points clear of Aberdeen with a game in hand.
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