Stuart Armstrong

It depends on the filling.

 

I think hes perfect coming off the bench at the hour mark in games for us to be honest.

 

Among other things, such as how long since you last ate, how much you have had to drink, whether you plan to order dessert, how much you are used to...

 

I can't say I have noticed that.
Armstrong always impressed me when he was with Dundee United. Seems to have grown in stature again under Rodgers.

 

MOTM last night for me, though Roberts was involved in every goal Armstrongs drive and energy in midfield was brilliant last night.

 

First time I've watched him and thought maybe I've missed something. Really not his biggest fan, but he was good last night, playing more central. Just don't think he plays well in there beside brown, maybe.

 

Done well on Saturday next to Brown, pretty much done the same in playing box to box, using his energy very well. Looks a lot sharper than a month ago.

 

Needs to start in the middle with Broony at Pittodrie.

 

INTELLIGENT, attentive and willing to learn – just three of the key attributes Stuart Armstrong boasts which make Brendan Rodgers view the midfielder as the perfect type of player to work with.

Celtic’s 24-year-old playmaker showcased his talents against Ross County last night (Wednesday) – combative yet creative from the centre of the park and a midfielder with an eye for goal.

His pressing of the game created the opening for Patrick Roberts to score the first goal in the opening minutes of the game in Dingwall, and his own angled finish with less than 10 minutes to go eventually sealed the points for the Hoops in their clash with the Staggies.

The former Dundee United star made his impressive performance look easy and it followed on from another promising showing against Rangers at the weekend in the League Cup semi-final, but the Hoops boss revealed that Armstrong’s resurgence under the new regime at Celtic has been no chance occurrence.

“He’s played a lot of his time here on the left side, which I can understand because he’s very diligent,” the manager said. “He works well and has an eye for goal, but we spoke to him a lot in pre-season in terms of his position and where he felt most comfortable.

“At that time it was difficult for him to get a game in his prefered position but what he’s done, each day from that, is look to improve and get better, understand the tactical element of playing on the inside and he’s got a wonderful intelligence.

“He’s a good footballer and he is improving playing in that position all the time. Technically he’s strong, you saw with his finish last night and I see it in training every day. He’s got a wonderful strike on him and can have different types of finishes so he’s got goals in him.

“Physically he’s really good. I was really impressed because our first goal came from his ability to press the ball very quickly on the counter-press and allow Patrick to run through. For his goal, he spotted the space and had great speed and a wonderful finish. Physically he’s getting better all the time.

“It’s never easy. He’s come into one of the biggest clubs in the world and it sometimes takes that little bit of time to adapt and find your feet. He’s definitely done that and he’s a player I enjoy working with.

“He’s super bright, a very clever boy. He thinks about the game, his role in the team and he’s starting to flourish now and that’s all down to him. We just gave him the confidence to play the role, understand his job and he can go out and flourish.”

Armstrong’s move inside from the left flank where he spent last season at Celtic has seen him return to an area of the pitch he finds most suited to his abilities. After all, it was his exploits from that central role at Dundee United that attracted the attentions of the Scottish champions enough to see the club bring him to Paradise in January 2015.

The Hoops boss still sees versatility in the midfielder’s game, however, and backed him to make continual improvements at Celtic.

“I can see him in anyone of the three central midfield areas, whether it’s a No.10 or just sat in behind,” he added. “When he came on in the League Cup semi-final he played beside Scott Brown and you saw his pace and energy and ability to burst through.

“He played last night as one of those players sat in midfield but he can also play in that advanced role as well. He’s come on in a number of games for me in that No.10 position but anywhere centrally where he can use his power and pace to break forward, that’s his best position and hopefully over the coming years you’ll really see the benefits of him.”

The manager also believes that a future with the Scotland national team is not outwith Armstrong’s grasp if he keeps up his performances.

“There’s no doubt he’s got the physical qualities for that but at that level it’s about understanding the game tactically and he’s a bright boy who takes on information well, and if he keeps going and improving there’s absolutely no question he’s a player that can feature for his national team.”

 

Definitely Roberts as MOTM for me. A goal and two assists. Key performance.

 

Would start him alongside Brown on Saturday.

 

Seriously mate, I understand you like Bitton. But you need to open your eyes. On his day, he is unplayable, he has that in him. But "his day" is very few and far between. For the most part he is a passenger that occasionally makes a good tackle or plays a good pass. That's not enough. Armstrong played better last night than he has all season. We are fortunate to have quality throughout the squad so selection should be down to form, not what a player can or might do as he done it a few months ago.

 

Still don't think he'll ever be good enough for us in Europe but tbf his best performance was vs Inter Milan and he's improved no end recently, so maybe he has it in him.

Rodgers has clearly took a shine to him (which has been rewarded) so I don't think he'll be leaving anytime soon, when just a couple months ago I would've had him as joint favourite to be first out the door.

 

Can't agree with that one single tiny bit. Bitton has had good games this season against Man City, Sevco at home, Aberdeen at home, HBS at home and away, Astana away, Kilmarnock at home.

He's not been as poor as many have made him out to be this season. As I've said before, he's not having a great season so far, but he's not having a poor one either. A middle of the road season for him so far.

 

Not just this season, last season too. Bitton hasn't kicked a ball since May 2015 when he ended the season having had a very good season and being talked up as an £8million player since then he has regressed, like Kayal before him and Johansen did also. Good players at one point but then went a long time being very average.

 

I would start both Armstrong and Roberts on Saturday. Biton and Forrest not doing it for me.Maybe being a bit harsh on Forrest giving the season he is having, but I think his form is dipping again.

 

They've definitely given Rodgers a lot of options to choose from.

 

Wanyama seems to have a blind spot for Biton, he can do no wrong even when he has been off form all season, he thinks that is an alright season.

 

A goal and assist from Armstrong, thought Roberts wasn't up to much until last 15 mins, started well with the goal then misplaced a good few passes, where as that's the best I've seen of Armstrong over 90 mins, he never stopped just kept bombing forward and driving the midfield plus covering back well.

 

And when Kayal left it was a mistake letting him go because he went on to become Brightons POTY and one of the best players in the Championship last season. He then continued that form into this season but picked up an injury end of September and their results have been patchy since.

Kayal would have thrived under a manager like Brendan, we made a mistake letting him go let's not ddo the same with another great player in Bitton.