CRAIG GORDON reckons English top-flight clubs will continue to monitor Stuart Armstrong despite the Celtic midfielder poised to agree a contract extension.
Southampton, Swansea, Brighton and West Brom have been among the sides keeping tabs on the Scotland international’s ongoing situation.
His club and country colleague Gordon is delighted Armstrong is about to pledge his future to the Hoops and can concentrating on picking up his form from last season with another huge campaign ahead.
The keeper, who has conceded only one goal this term, said: “This is a great place to learn.
“Hopefully, he will get another chance to play Champions League if we can go over to Astana and get through. Stuart has shown it on every stage so far, whenever he has stepped up.
“He came from Dundee United to play here and it took him a bit of time to settle in. Once he did he was one of our best players last season.
“Then he stepped it up to the international level, and he has played Champions League.
“If someone comes in with big money, then money talks, but it is good for him to get settled and concentrate on football. If he keeps progressing as he is, then I am sure there will still be plenty of teams looking at him.”
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted he thought the player had suffered a loss of confidence during the protracted talks, accusing Armstrong’s representative for the delay.
Gordon revealed he had called upon his own experience to offer counsel to his team-mate during the process. The 34-year-old shotstopper had been a target for English champions Chelsea before signing a new deal in March.
He added: “Last season there were bids there and there was a possibility. Even after that, it took a few months to clear up the contract situation.
“That is just what happens. That is all I was trying to tell him, it took me a wee while, as well, and not to get too upset about it.
“I just relayed what had happened in my situation, it was quite similar to his. But they do tend to get sorted eventually.
“Stuart brings something a little bit different to the team, he has great energy. And he is also a great goal threat with both feet.
“We need him in the side and ready to play. Hopefully, that will settle things down and he can concentrate and get himself back in the team and show us all what he is capable of.
“He is a massive part of the team.”
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