Stuart Armstrong’s cautionary tale

On balance I am sure you would want Stuart Armstrong in the squad than not.  He has been a clear success since arriving from Dundee United three years ago, but injury did not do him any favour last season, as he was unable to win back his starting place when fit.

The appetite for either the club or player to sign another one-year extension to his contract, which is due to expire in 12 months, will be low.  Stuart will either sign a long-term deal on terms equivalent to those he currently earns, leave under freedom of contract next summer, or be sold in August.

West Brom were keen to take the player a year ago, but relegation may force them to reconsider (and may reduce their attractiveness to Stuart).  While that move would have earned Stuart a huge contract, the timing was not right for Celtic, who were reluctant to allow a then-first choice player to leave before a replacement could be found.

Celtic will be easier to deal with this summer, but whether Stuart’s agent can attract a comparable contract offer as a year ago remains to be seen.  What is clear is that Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring fresh talent into the squad, and someone will those already of the fringe of the team will not find it any easier to get game time next season.

The last time Stuart needs is a season on the bench as his contract runs down.  I hope he stays and signs a long-term deal, but getting a bumper fee for him, or allowing the rest of the squad to note a cautionary tale on what to do when Celtic offer you a contract, would not be the worst thing.