ARMSTRONG’S HAMPDEN HAPPY DAYS

STUART ARMSTRONG is ready, willing and able to play his part in giving Scotland’s jaded World Cup qualifying bid a boost against Slovenia at Hampden on Sunday evening.

The in-form Celtic midfielder is poised to make his full international debut in the make-or-break encounter for Gordon Strachan’s side.

And Armstrong revealed he had already sampled glory days when the Scots had been in action at the national stadium – at the age of 13!

The Inverness-born Hoops ace recalled: “I had a few friends who went to the games and I went a few times with them.

“The one game that stands out is probably the France game when he won 1-0. Gary Caldwell scored from a corner.

 

“My friend’s dad took us down. I was quite young.

“It was a nice one to go to. I had been before with my dad, who took me and my brother, but that one stands out.

“I like big atmospheres and big crowds and big expectations. I love the big games.

“It is always exciting, but I would like to think that each game I go into I have the same level of motivation and determination to win.”

Armstrong added: ” I like Hampden. The last time I played there, we beat Aberdeen in the League Cup Final, which was a great day.

“I’ve got good memories and it’s a good venue.“I had a good impact in semi-final and played well. Since then, I’ve had a good run in the side.

“That’s probably been a pivotal moment so far for me.”

Bobby Evans – Celtic’s Forgotten Hero by Tom Campbell is published today on CQN Books. Order your copy for immediate despatch from cqnbookstore.com – the book will also be available from the Celtic stores.