Chris Sutton reveals verdict on Celtic CL opener, has this advice for key midfielder
By Harry Sykes
Chris Sutton has said that Celtic won’t have any problems in their Champions League opener against Linfield on Friday.
In his column in the Daily Record, Sutton couldn’t resist mentioning Ranger’s shock defeat in the Europa League to Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn, but said it would be an even bigger shock if Celtic slipped up.
“People will mention Gibraltar last season but this is a different Celtic side,” said Sutton.
“That defeat might sharpen the senses a little bit but it shouldn’t need to.
“Getting to the group stages is still a major achievement but I don’t expect Celtic to have too much grief getting past this stage.”
Celtic play the first leg away this afternoon with a kick-off time of 5pm, with the return leg next Wednesday evening at Celtic Park.
Sutton also had a warning for Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong, and said that he’s disappointed the player hasn’t signed a new contract with Brendan Rodger’s side yet.
He claims Armstrong’s improved performances in the second half of last season were down to Rodgers’ coaching, and questioned why he would want to go to England to a struggling side when he could be improving himself in the Champions League.
“There’s no doubt there is an awful lot of money to be made in England and it must be very tempting,” said Sutton.
“At the same time, I’d like to see him pen a new deal and show a bit of loyalty to the manager who has got him in to this position.
“I’d like to see him recognise that by committing to the club for a bit longer. I can understand why Celtic are worried.”
Armstrong enjoyed a solid season in the hoops last campaign, with 15 goals in 31 Premiership games.
His contract ends next summer however, and he is yet to commit to a new deal, with Celtic’s competitive games about to start again.
It means he could leave Parkhead on a free next year, and talk to clubs as early as January.
In other Celtic news, Brendan Rodgers is in talks with this Championship player in need of a fresh start.
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