STUART ARMSTRONG has admitted it would be a “special moment” in his career if he makes his Scotland debut this week.
The in-form midfielder celebrated his full international call-up from Gordon Strachan by heading in Celtic’s winner – his 12th of the campaign – in the 2-1 victory over Dundee yesterday.
Scotland will play Canada in a Challenge Game at Easter Road on Wednesday before facing Slovenia in the crucial World Cup qualifier at Hampden on Sunday evening.
Armstrong, 24, said: “Every player wants to represent their country and I’m sure it will be a special moment if I do pull on the jersey.
“I am very happy about it and my family are very proud.
“I will just be taking my Celtic form into training with Scotland.
“The last time I was called in was a while ago and I had to pull out with injury. That was a frustrating time and it has taken a while to get back in the squad.
“But that is in the past and this is now. Yeah, I am excited and looking forward to it.”
Armstrong said he realised the debt that is due to Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers who has reinvigorated his career during this campaign.
The former Dundee United playmaker said: “Brendan has been a huge influence on me. At the start of the season, I was in and out.
“I had targets and goals to work for in training and bringing that into the game.
“Moving inside to a central midfield position has been a huge benefit for me. It is more natural and where I feel that I am best.
“It is a combination of things, but there is no doubting the influence the gaffer has had.
“I am a little bit older now and more experienced, especially with the Champions League experience and the pressures of that while accepting the pressures of winning every week with Celtic.
“So, it’s definitely been a learning season and European football has helped my development.
“Playing in the Champions League was a great experience against top-quality players.
“You learn a great deal from big occasions like that as well as playing in Cup Finals. It is definitely only going to stand you in good stead.
“I’m probably in the best position I’ve been in in terms of experience in terms of my career.”
