CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers believes Stuart Armstrong could be a success in the English top flight.
But the Hoops boss insists he should remain at Parkhead for another few years.
The Scotland international midfielder, whose contract expires next summer, is on Southampton’s radar and has also been linked with West Brom and newly-promoted Brighton.
But Rodgers said: “He can develop, push on this year and get more experience of European football.
“That will add even more value to him.
“I know the Premier League inside out and if he wants to go there then okay – he can still get there, but to arrive at the right moment is important.
“To arrive as an establish European player, winning trophies and with more international experience.”
The treble-winning gaffer added: “Gossip and speculation never bother me.
“There’s a game and a strategy that goes on behind the scenes that supporters are not so well aware of.”
CQN Magazine was first to highlight the potential problems that existed between the valuation that Celtic had for the midfielder and the view of his worth held by his agent.
And in the months since we broke that story Armstrong’s form has been superb and his star is shining brighter than before.
So we have a better idea that perhaps Brendan believes regarding what has been happening.
Armstrong wants to stay but the deal has to be right and given what is now coming on the table from down south, his position seems hard to argue with.
NEW CQN PODCAST WITH SFA PRESIDENT ALAN RAE OUT NOW!
Episode 2 of ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ finds Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham discussing a variety of topical subjects concerning Celtic Football Club, including:
* Callum McGregor: The Youth of Today;
* Death of the Cult Hero;
* Norwegian Wood – Ronnie Deila’s Exit Interview;
* Farewell to The Stone Roses;
* Hillsborough: The Truth.
Paul John Dykes also chats to SFA President, Alan McRae, to challenge him over recent comments made about Celtic’s domination of Scottish football.
Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes and @CQNMagazine or just listen using the link below…
