‘WE’RE READY FOR BARCA TEST,’ ARMSTRONG

The midfielder, who came on as a sub and netted the fifth goal in the demolition derby, also insisted the Hoops are not in the tournament simply to make up the numbers.

Armstrong said: “If you can’t enjoy the opportunity to go and play against Barcelona then you probably shouldn’t be a footballer.

“We are not afraid. We are enthusiastic and excited. We understand just how great a team Barcelona are. They have world-class players in every position, but we are in the Champions League and it is up to us to go and give a solid account of ourselves.

”Moussa Dembele is still very young, but has shown great temperament already. He is calm with the ball, he is a very confident boy in his own abilities and as we have seen he knows where the goal is.

“I am sure Leigh Griffiths is gutted to miss out on the game, but we definitely cannot get too hung up on that. We have a talented, big squad and we believe we can make an impact.”

Armstrong was also delighted with the central midfield position he took up when he replaced Tom Rogic.

He added: “I have spoken to the manager and it was good opportunity because we were both able to express ourselves. It feels like an entirely different Celtic team – different mentally, different physically, different tactically and all for the better. Everyone wants to be a part of it.

“I have a clear picture in my head of what I need to do. That last-half hour in a number 10 position was fantastic for me and something I really enjoyed. The goal was the icing on the cake.

“That is where I am most comfortable. Hopefully, people can see that. It is where I enjoy football the most, it is where I think I make the best contribution. So ,it is just about taking chances when I get them.”